Israel-Hamas war live updates: IDF is preparing for ‘a coordinated attack from the air, sea and land’ against Hamas in Gaza

Israel is expected to commence a ground offensive into Gaza after amassing troops at the border this week. The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, said it was “preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans” which will include “an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land” against Hamas in Gaza.

Ahead of the looming ground operation, roughly 1.1 million Palestinians were given 24-hour notice to evacuate northern Gaza. The order was heavily criticized by many humanitarian agencies as it would be logistically difficult to move so many people within that timeframe.

UN agency calls for protection of civilians in its shelters, including those in northern Gaza.......

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East called on Israeli authorities to protect all civilians in its shelters across the Gaza Strip, including those in northern Gaza and Gaza City.

The UNRWA warned that despite Israel’s order to evacuate the north, many people will not be able to flee, particularly pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

“UNRWA shelters in Gaza and northern Gaza are no longer safe. This is unprecedented,” it said.

“This war should be no exception, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including United Nations buildings, applies to this conflict too.”

Israel has ordered roughly 1 million residents in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south ahead of an anticipated ground offensive.