Israel prepares to relocate Gazans ahead of military expansion

Israel is preparing to relocate Palestinians within the Gaza Strip ahead of a planned military expansion, authorities said on Saturday.

"As part of the [Israel Defense Forces - IDF] preparations to move the population from combat zones to southern Gaza for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume tomorrow (Sunday)," according to a post on X by Israel's coordinating agency for the Palestinian Territories, COGAT.

Aid will be transferred through the Kerem Shalom Crossing by the UN and international organizations after a "thorough security inspection," it added.

The planned controversial military operation aims to capture Gaza City and central refugee camps in a bid to dismantle the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement.

Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir had warned of significant risks to soldiers and hostages but had then begun preparations to meet the political leadership's objectives.