May 8th, 2025
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Many people in the region are worried about Israel's plan to take over the Gaza Strip and increase its military actions. Palestinians are very tired and without hope after 19 months of heavy attacks. The families of Israelis still held in Gaza are scared that the chance of stopping the fighting is becoming smaller.
"What else is there for you to bomb?" asked Moaz Kahlout, a man who had to leave his home in Gaza City. He said that many people use GPS to find the remains of houses that were destroyed in the war.
On Monday, Israeli officials said that government ministers had agreed to a plan to take control of Gaza and stay there for a time they haven't yet decided. This news came after the army chief announced they were calling up thousands of reserve soldiers.
The plan was not officially announced, and it wasn't clear exactly when or how it would happen. It could be another way for Israel to try to pressure Hamas to agree in ceasefire talks.
The war started after Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023. They killed about 1,200 people, mostly ordinary people, and kidnapped 251. Israel states that 59 prisoners are still in Gaza. On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that three more hostages have been confirmed to have died, meaning 21 are still thought to be alive.
Israel's attack has killed over 52,000 people in Gaza, including many women and children. Palestinian health officials report these numbers, but they do not count fighters and civilians separately.
“They ruined our lives, made us leave our homes, and killed our people,” said Enshirah Bahloul, a woman from the city of Khan Younis in the south. “We hope for safety and peace in the world. We do not want to continue living without homes, food, or water.”
Also, some Israelis are against the plan. Hundreds of people protested outside the parliament on Monday when the government started its summer session. One person was arrested.
Families of people held hostage in Gaza are worried about what a bigger military action could mean for their relatives.
"Making the war bigger is not the answer," said Adi Alexander, whose son was taken prisoner. "It didn't help at all last time. It feels like we are repeating what happened a year ago."
The father is hoping that Trump's visit to the Middle East next week will bring some help. Israeli leaders have said they will not make the situation in Gaza worse until after Trump's visit, which might make a deal possible. Trump is not planning to visit Israel, but he and other American officials have often talked about Edan Alexander. He is the last American-Israeli held in Gaza who they believe is still alive.
Moshe Lavi, whose brother-in-law Omri Miran is thought to be the oldest hostage still living, said his family was worried about the plan.
He said, "We hope this is just a sign to Hamas that Israel is serious about its goal to remove their government and military power, which could help in talks. But it's not clear if this is the final step or just a way to get there."
Every day, many Palestinians wait outside a charity kitchen in southern Gaza that gives hot meals to families who have had to leave their homes. Children hold out pots or buckets, pushing to get food for their families.
"What should we do?" asked Sara Younis, a woman from the city of Rafah in the far south, as she waited for a hot meal for her children. "There's no food, no flour, nothing."
In early March, Israel stopped all goods from entering Gaza, causing serious lack of food, medicine, and other necessary items. Israel says its aim is to make Hamas release the remaining hostages.
Organizations that provide help have said that not having enough food and being hungry are happening more often in Gaza. The United Nations states that most people there need this help to survive.
Aid organizations are worried that the progress made to stop hunger during this year's ceasefire is disappearing.
Like many aid groups in Gaza, Tikeya has run out of most food and has cooked mostly pasta for the last two weeks.
Nidal Abu Helal, who had to leave his home in Rafah and now works for the charity, said the group is very worried that people, especially children, might die because they don't have enough food.
He said, "We are not scared of dying from missiles. We are scared that our children will die of hunger in front of us."
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