Israel Prepares for Full-Scale Offensive in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 13 that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will soon launch a full-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip. The goal is to achieve complete victory over Hamas and secure the release of hostages held by the Islamist militants. This announcement follows escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in the region. The UN's emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, criticized Israel's actions in Gaza. He stated that Israel deliberately imposes impossible living conditions on the occupied Palestinian territory. Fletcher also highlighted the severe shortage of humanitarian aid, with no food, medicine, water, or blankets entering Gaza for over ten weeks. Amid the escalating conflict, Israeli authorities have urged civilians to avoid being harmed. They called for an end to attacks on civilians and for humanitarian workers to be allowed to save lives. The Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has voiced its support for Palestinian militants, further complicating the regional dynamics.