• The Israeli military chief has approved a framework for an offensive in Gaza City.
• Intense airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
• Netanyahu's government faces growing domestic and international criticism over its military strategy.

The Israeli military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, officially approved the operational framework for a planned expansion of the offensive to seize Gaza City, a key stronghold of Hamas. This decision comes amid heightened attacks and following a directive from Israel's security cabinet, which outlined the urgency of capturing the Palestinian territory's largest urban area after more than 22 months of conflict, according to Indiatimes and TRT Global.

The ongoing military operations have intensified in recent days, particularly in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods of Gaza City, with deadly airstrikes targeting residential areas. Reports indicate that as many as 61,776 Palestinians have died since hostilities escalated in October 2023, highlighting the grave humanitarian conditions exacerbated by the ongoing blockade and reduced aid access, according to ABC News, Middle East Eye, and Le Monde.

Amidst the military escalation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the aim of the offensive is to "demilitarize" the Gaza Strip, demanding the return of hostages taken by Hamas in earlier attacks. This strategy has drawn heavy criticism domestically, with many questioning the effectiveness and moral implications of continued military action, as well as the fate of those held captive, according to Africanews and Al Jazeera.

As Israeli airstrikes continue, humanitarian organizations warn of an impending famine in the region, with limited access to food and medical resources. Casualties from the ongoing bombardments have only increased, with hospital reports citing dozens of injuries and deaths within the last few days alone, reflecting a significant humanitarian crisis that has arisen amid the conflict, according to South China Morning Post and Le Monde.