The Israeli army's chief of staff said Sunday the military was pressing ahead with plans for the next phase of its Gaza offensive, with a focus on Gaza City.
"Today we are approving the plan for the next phase of the war," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said during a field visit to the Palestinian territory, according to an army statement.
"We will maintain the momentum of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' while focusing on Gaza City. We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas," he said.
The large-scale operation in Gaza, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots" by the Israeli army, began in mid-May.
"We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas, with the hostages always at the forefront of our minds," Zamir added.
In response Hamas said the plans would result in "a new wave of extermination and mass displacement".
The Palestinian group also condemned the proposals a "a major war crime" which it said reflected Israel's "disregard for international and humanitarian law".
Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his plan, approved by his security cabinet, for a new phase of operations in Gaza.
Israel has said it is preparing to take control of Gaza City and neighboring refugee camps with the stated aim of defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the 22-month war.
Zamir said Israel's ongoing offensive had "achieved its objectives", that "Hamas no longer possesses the same capabilities", and the military had dealt the Palestinian group a "severe blow".
"The current campaign is not a pinpoint one; it is just another layer in a long-term and planned strategy," he added.
On Friday, the army said its troops were conducting a series of operations on the outskirts of Gaza City, where residents have been reporting intense strikes and ground incursions for days.
Israel on Saturday said it was preparing "to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection".
Hamas said Israel's statements on this, including its plans for the installation of tents in southern Gaza, were "a blatant deception to cover up the imminent massacre and forced displacement".
Israel's army radio reported on Sunday residents would be evacuated before troops encircle the Gaza City and finally seize it, beginning "in the coming weeks".
Tens of thousands of reservist soldiers would be called up for the mission, the report added.
Another 17 aid-seekers killed in Gaza
Hospitals and witnesses in Gaza said Israeli forces killed at least 17 aid-seekers on Sunday, including nine awaiting UN aid trucks close to the Morag corridor.
Hamza Asfour said he was just north of the corridor awaiting a convoy when Israeli snipers fired, first to disperse the crowds, then from tanks hundreds of meters (yards) away. He saw two people with gunshot wounds.
“It's either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation,” he said.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the Israeli-backed and US-supported distribution points that have become the main source of aid since they opened in May, said there was no gunfire “at or near” its sites, which are located in military-controlled areas.
Israel’s military did not immediately respond to questions.
Israel’s air and ground war has displaced most of Gaza's population and killed more than 61,900 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.
Two children and five adults died of malnutrition-related causes Sunday, according to the ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.
The United Nations has warned that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest since the war began. Most aid has been blocked from entering Gaza since Israel imposed a total blockade in March after ending a ceasefire. Deliveries have since partially resumed, though aid organizations say the flow is far below what is needed.
