Israel’s military said it will start moving civilians from Gaza City to what it calls “safe zones” in the south of the enclave, clearing the way for a new ground operation aimed at seizing remaining Hamas positions in the territory’s largest urban centre. Shelter equipment, including thousands of tents, is due to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Sunday after inspection by Israeli officials and delivery by the United Nations and other aid agencies. The relocation plan affects an estimated one million people still in and around Gaza City. Defence Minister Israel Katz said operational details are still being finalised, but troops have already intensified air- and artillery strikes on the city’s Zeitoun and Shejaia districts. Residents report heavy bombardment that has destroyed multiple homes, while medical workers and rescue crews say access to casualties is increasingly difficult. The announcement has drawn criticism from several European and Arab governments, which argue that mass displacement could violate international law. Humanitarian groups warn that forcing civilians southward will worsen shortages of food, water and medical supplies in an area already struggling to absorb earlier waves of displaced people. Israel’s campaign follows Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s response has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians and displaced most of the enclave’s 2.2 million residents. Efforts by Egypt and Qatar to broker a 60-day cease-fire and hostage-release agreement remain stalled.