GAZA CITY, August 29 — Israel announced Friday that it has begun the “initial stages” of an assault on Gaza City, declaring the area a “dangerous combat zone” amid a worsening starvation crisis, while also recovering the remains of two hostages.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “We are not waiting. We have begun preliminary operations and initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, and we are currently operating with great intensity on the outskirts of the city.” The military vowed to deepen strikes until all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled militarily and governmentally. The operation, expected to displace thousands of Palestinians, follows a UN-backed declaration last week confirming famine in the area due to Israel’s military offensive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the recovery of Ilan Weiss’s body and the remains of another unidentified hostage, currently under forensic identification. The IDF had earlier suspended mid-day pauses that allowed humanitarian aid, citing the combat zone status. Netanyahu authorized the operation last week while ordering “immediate negotiations” for a ceasefire and hostage release, though no details on talks were provided.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of opening the “gates of hell” on Gaza City unless Hamas meets Israel’s conditions, including hostage release and disarmament. Israel has called up approximately 60,000 reservists to support the expanded offensive.
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