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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) told international aid organizations and medical personal to prepare for evacuation as Israel prepares to occupy Gaza City in the coming weeks. The communication came after reports that Hamas had agreed to ceasefire terms that included the immediate release of half the hostages and phased ending of the war. The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said later in the week that Gaza City would be “destroyed” if Hamas did not release all of the hostages and disarm while PM Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that ceasefire talks should continue. Earlier in the week, the Israeli opposition organized massive protests in Tel Aviv demanding a ceasefire and release of the hostages. The UN Chief Anthony Gutteres confirmed a famine in Gaza City on Friday. UN offices said that more than half a million people across Gaza are facing a catastrophic situation characterized by “starvation, destitution, and death.” Israeli officials denied the report calling it “outright lies.” Israeli denials contradict the UN, more than 100 aid organizations, and even many of Israel’s own allies.
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