Israel is pulling troops to Gaza: satellites see preparations for an assault, and the plan has already been approved

Everything is clear from the satellite images: Israel is seriously preparing for a new, large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip. Commercial reconnaissance satellites are detecting a massive accumulation of troops and equipment right near the border with the enclave. Tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery — all this is moving into the area of a possible offensive. This is not just an exercise. This is preparation for the phased seizure of control over the most densely populated area, the city of Gaza, and, in fact, the entire territory of the enclave.

The decision has already been made: on the night of August 8, 2025, the Israeli military and political cabinet officially approved a plan, the main goal of which is the complete defeat of Hamas and the establishment of lasting Israeli control. The city of Gaza, where, according to intelligence reports, militants are still hiding and hostages may be, will be the first stage. The plan is step—by-step, but tough.

What will happen next?  

First, the mass evacuation. About a million people living in the city and surrounding areas are expected to leave their homes and move to the south of the sector. The deadline is October 7, the day of the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack. After the evacuation, the Israeli army (IDF) will completely surround the city, give the militants a chance to surrender, and if they refuse, a ground assault will begin. It is estimated that the fighting may drag on for several months.

Interestingly, the official statements do not refer to "occupation," but to "establishing control." This is an important legal nuance — in order not to assume responsibility for the management of the territory and the population. But, according to high-ranking sources, this is actually an occupation. Just in new words.

At the same time, Israel promises not to stop humanitarian aid. Aid will be delivered to "safe zones" in the south to encourage people to evacuate. The American GHF Foundation is already expanding its network of distribution points, but according to the UN, the situation with hunger in Gaza is critical — thousands have died trying to get to food, and many of them were killed by Israeli soldiers.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz should give the final go-ahead for the start of the operation. Reservists are currently being mobilized, and new units are being deployed to the southern borders. All this can be seen not only in the news, but also on satellite images — they don't lie.

So now it's the calm before the storm. The army is building up its forces, satellites are watching, and the world is waiting tensely. And in Gaza, millions of people are caught between a rock and a hard place again.

Netanyahu wants to expand the operation in Gaza — the military is against it, residents have been ordered to leave the city

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering the possibility of a large-scale expansion of the military operation in the Gaza Strip, despite serious objections from the army command. The Israeli security cabinet is reportedly planning to discuss the proposal as early as Thursday. The goal is to establish full control not only over large areas of the city, but also over the entire enclave, which may mean the beginning of a new, even more intense phase of the conflict.

However, the army is wary. The military fears that such an operation would endanger the lives of Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas and lead to a sharp increase in the number of casualties among the Palestinian civilian population. The commanders point to high risks, difficult urban development and the likelihood of prolonged fighting in narrow streets.

Meanwhile, according to the Palestinian Ma'an news agency, the Israeli authorities have already prepared a plan according to which Gazans are ordered to leave the city by October 7. This causes a flurry of criticism: human rights activists call the order inhumane, given that hundreds of thousands of people are already in a humanitarian disaster, and there are practically no safe zones for resettlement.

If the operation is approved, it could mark the transition from local strikes to full—scale occupation, with unpredictable consequences for the region.

Hamas has categorically rejected disarmament before the establishment of a Palestinian State

The Hamas movement has officially declared that it will not disarm until a sovereign Palestinian State is established. This harsh response was addressed to Israel, for which the disarmament of the Palestinian armed group is one of the key and indisputable conditions for any ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas statement was made in response to media reports according to which US President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, allegedly stated that Hamas had "expressed its readiness" to lay down its arms. The Palestinian group called these reports "complete lies" and categorically denied them.

Thus, the positions of the parties remain diametrically opposed: Israel insists on the complete disarmament of Hamas as a prerequisite for peace, while Hamas makes disarmament dependent on a political solution — the creation of an independent Palestinian State. This fundamental difference in approaches was one of the main reasons why the indirect talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt reached a complete impasse last week. Without progress on these fundamental issues, the prospects for achieving a long-term truce remain vague.

Israel seals off Al-Aqsa Mosque, banning worshippers from visiting Jerusalem's holy sites for the first time

Against the backdrop of the escalating conflict with Iran, Israel has taken an unprecedented step — it has sealed off the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, banning Muslim believers from visiting the holy places of the city for the first time in recent years. This decision provoked widespread condemnation and concerns about the deeper and more dangerous motives of the Israeli authorities.

Israel has previously imposed restrictions on Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, allowing only men over 55, women over 50, and children under 10 to enter, as well as requiring special permits for Palestinians arriving from the West Bank. This year, the measures were tightened: the mosque was completely sealed off and access to it was prohibited, which was an unprecedented step.

The Palestinian Hamas movement strongly condemned the ban, calling it part of a "systematic plan to Judaize" Jerusalem's holy sites and calling on Palestinians to resist the restrictions and continue to attend the mosque. The imam of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ikrim Sabri, was also subjected to administrative bans on visiting the holy place, but announced his intention not to comply with these measures.

The international community has expressed concern about the growing tension around Al-Aqsa, given its important religious significance for Muslims around the world. The Israeli actions are seen as a provocation capable of provoking further escalation of the conflict in the region.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest shrine in Islam, located in East Jerusalem, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. Control of this place is one of the key factors in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In recent years, Israel has regularly imposed restrictions on mosque visits, especially during holy periods for Muslims, which causes mass protests and clashes.

Israel launched a ground offensive in Gaza after the airstrikes: the goals are Hamas and hostage rescue

After a series of powerful airstrikes on targets of the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip, which killed more than 100 people, The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Launched a large-scale ground offensive. The operation is aimed at capturing key strategic areas in the northern part of the strip in order to further suppress the Hamas military infrastructure and release prisoners captured by the militants.

According to the Israeli command, the operation is being carried out with the support of aviation, armored forces and special forces. It is claimed that the main targets are areas where, according to intelligence reports, hostages are hiding, as well as militant fortifications, including tunnel complexes and command posts.

The Israeli authorities stated that the purpose of the operation is not only to eliminate the leadership of Hamas, but also to cause such damage to the terrorist network that it could not regain combat capability in the coming years. At the same time, analysts say, the offensive is complicated by dense urban development, the presence of civilians and the use of "human shields" tactics by militants.

Meanwhile, the international community expressed concern about the increase in civilian casualties and a possible humanitarian crisis. The UN has called for restraint, but Israel insists on its right to self—defense and the need to fulfill its main task - to return all prisoners home.

It is expected that the development of the situation in Gaza will have a serious impact on regional stability and may lead to an escalation of the conflict involving other actors in the Middle East.

Israel resumed fighting in Rafah: Ground operation in the Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a ground operation in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt. The move caused tension in the region and led to accusations from Hamas militants of unilaterally ending the truce.

The resumption of hostilities in Rafah was a response to the ongoing attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups. The Israeli authorities said the operation was aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing further attacks on the country.

The ground operation in Rafah involves the deployment of significant IDF forces, including infantry, armored vehicles, and artillery. The main objective of the operation is to destroy the Hamas infrastructure and neutralize militants who pose a threat to Israel.

Tensions Escalate: Trump Warns of Dire Consequences Amid Gaza Hostage Crisis

The hostage crisis in the Gaza Strip has taken a dramatic turn as former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, stating that "the gates of hell will open in the Gaza Strip" if hostages are not released by Saturday. In a series of statements, Trump placed the onus squarely on Israel, declaring, "It's in Israel's hands," while also threatening to halt American support for Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept refugees fleeing the escalating conflict.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly following Hamas's decision to suspend the transfer of hostages, citing alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. The militant group accused Israel of failing to uphold its end of the truce, which was brokered with the help of international mediators. This move has further complicated efforts to secure the release of hostages and ease tensions in the region.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community is watching closely, concerned about the potential for renewed violence and its impact on civilians trapped in the besieged territory. With each passing day, the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear increasingly remote.

Donald Trump, who remains a prominent figure in global politics despite leaving office, has once again thrust himself into the center of the debate over the Middle East. His warning of impending chaos in Gaza carries significant weight, given his administration's past involvement in brokering agreements between Israel and various Arab nations through the Abraham Accords.

By linking the fate of Gaza to refugee policies in neighboring countries, Trump added another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation. He explicitly stated that he could stop assisting Jordan and Egypt if they do not agree to take in refugees from Gaza. This threat reflects a broader strategy aimed at pressuring regional actors to cooperate in resolving the crisis but risks alienating key allies and exacerbating existing tensions.

Trump's assertion that "it's in Israel's hands" highlights the critical role Israel plays in determining the outcome of the hostage situation. While Israel has consistently maintained its commitment to securing the safe return of hostages, critics argue that its military actions and perceived inflexibility in negotiations have contributed to the breakdown of trust with Hamas and other Palestinian factions.

Hamas's accusation that Israel violated the ceasefire adds fuel to the fire, raising questions about whether both sides are genuinely committed to de-escalation. The fragile nature of ceasefires in the region underscores the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and transparent communication to prevent further bloodshed.

The implications of this crisis extend far beyond Gaza, impacting relationships between Israel, Palestine, and their neighbors. Jordan and Egypt, traditionally pivotal players in mediating conflicts in the region, face mounting pressure to address the refugee issue amid domestic challenges and limited resources. Trump's ultimatum complicates their position, forcing them to weigh the humanitarian imperative against political considerations.

Meanwhile, global powers such as the United States, European Union, and United Nations must navigate a delicate balancing act. Calls for restraint and renewed dialogue have been echoed by leaders worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the underlying issues driving the conflict.

As the deadline approaches, all parties involved must reassess their priorities and commit to finding a peaceful resolution. The alternative—a resurgence of violence in Gaza—risks catastrophic consequences for civilians and undermines prospects for long-term stability in the region.

Whether Trump's warnings serve as a catalyst for action or deepen divisions remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the eyes of the world remain fixed on the Gaza Strip, hoping for a breakthrough that can spare countless lives and bring lasting peace to one of the most troubled regions on Earth.

Hamas Releases Three Israeli Hostages as Part of Ceasefire Agreement

 

Hamas has released three Israeli hostages abducted on October 7, 2023, during an attack on Israel. They will be handed over to the Red Cross as part of the ceasefire agreement. 

The car with the hostages — Romy Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher — was surrounded by a crowd in Saraya Square in Gaza. Hamas militants had to drive away the crowd so that he could pass.

In exchange for the release of the hostages, Israel must release 90 Palestinian prisoners from prisons. This should happen in the coming hours. 

Israel and Hamas Agree to Cease-Fire and Hostage Release After 15 Months of War

After 15 months of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire and the release of hostages. Officials from all sides confirm the agreement, which is expected to enter into force on Sunday; the Cabinet of Security Ministers is due to meet on Thursday morning to approve the agreement. Hamas will gradually release 33 Israeli hostages during the first 42 days of the cease-fire. The first three hostages are to be released on the first day, and four more on the seventh day. After that, three hostages will be released every seven days, and the last 14 will be released in the last week of the first phase.