DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving forward with plans to expand the Israeli military operation in Gaza City, despite significant opposition from within Israel and international condemnation. On Thursday, the Israeli military began contacting medical officials and international organizations in northern Gaza, urging them to evacuate the area in anticipation of the expanded operation. This announcement follows the military's recent call-up of 60,000 reservists and the extension of 20,000 reservists already on duty.

Netanyahu is expected to finalize the operation's approval during a security cabinet meeting on Thursday night, according to an official who requested anonymity. This decision comes as local hospitals report at least 36 Palestinian deaths from airstrikes in central and southern Gaza on the same day, amid ongoing protests in both Israel and Gaza.

The military operation in Gaza City could commence within days. Although Israel has successfully targeted many senior Hamas leaders, remnants of the group are regrouping and continuing to launch attacks, including rocket fire toward Israel. Israeli troops are currently active in the Zeitoun neighborhood and Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, laying the groundwork for the upcoming offensive.

This planned escalation has drawn heightened international criticism, particularly regarding Israel's restrictions on food and medical supplies entering Gaza. Concerns are growing that many Palestinians may be forced to flee their homes. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire on Thursday, emphasizing the need for the unconditional release of all hostages. "I must reiterate that it is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause," Guterres stated during a news conference in Tokyo.

Protests erupted in both Israel and Gaza on Thursday against the war's expansion. In Gaza City, hundreds gathered among the ruins, waving flags and holding signs that read "Save Gaza" and "Stop the war, stop the savage attack, save us." Bisan Ghazal, a displaced resident, expressed her frustration: "We want the war on Gaza to stop. We don’t want to migrate. Twenty-two months … it’s enough. Enough death. Enough destruction."

Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network, highlighted the devastation: "We have lost more than 10% of our residents, 85% of our buildings and infrastructure and much of our cultural and historic heritage. All of Gaza is threatened with destruction."

In Israel, families of hostages still held in Gaza gathered in Tel Aviv to protest the military operation. Israel estimates that around 20 hostages are still alive. Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law is among the captives, stated, "Forty-two hostages were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity due to military pressure and delay in signing a deal."

Bar Goddard, whose father’s body is held by Hamas, added, "Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists. Enough to sacrifice the evacuees. Enough to sacrifice the younger generation in the country."

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with at least 36 reported killed on Thursday. The Shifa hospital noted that the death toll from airstrikes on Wednesday in northern Gaza increased by 39. Airstrikes in central Gaza killed 19, including five people seeking aid and eight sheltering in schools for displaced individuals. Nasser Hospital reported additional fatalities in southern Gaza, including nine people trying to access aid.

In Deir al-Balah, airstrikes destroyed over 100 tents housing displaced individuals, according to Al Aqsa hospital. Witnesses reported smoke and flames engulfing the area as civil defense teams worked to extinguish the fires. Displaced families, many with children, were left to sift through the ashes of their belongings.

Mohammad Kahlout, who was displaced from northern Gaza, expressed his anger: "We came to the safe zone, which they call safe. (We were given) only five minutes to gather our belongings, and then they bombed the camp. We are civilians, not terrorists. What is our fault, and what is the fault of our children, to be displaced again? This is a camp for civilians, refugees. There is no resistance or anyone."

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the death toll from the ongoing conflict has reached 62,192, with additional deaths from starvation and malnutrition totaling 271, including 112 children. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, does not specify how many of the deceased were civilians or combatants, but indicates that women and children comprise about half of the casualties. The United Nations and independent experts regard these figures as the most reliable estimates of wartime casualties.

Israel disputes the reported toll but has not provided its own figures. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. Most hostages have been released during ceasefires or other agreements, with Hamas stating it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.