An Israeli drone fired two missiles at the Mayadeen intersection on the outskirts of Hosh, in the district of Sour. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene, according to our correspondent.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Wednesday that a widely condemned Israeli settlement plan, if implemented, would violate international law and risk dividing a future Palestinian state, Reuters reported.
The E1 project, which would divide the occupied West Bank into two and cut it off from East Jerusalem, received final approval on Wednesday from a planning committee at the Defense Ministry.
“If implemented, it would divide the Palestinian state in two, constitute a flagrant violation of international law, and seriously undermine the two-state solution,” Lammy said in a message posted on X, calling on the Israeli government to reverse its decision.
France expressed its “dismay” on Wednesday after the United States decided to impose new sanctions on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including a French judge, according to a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AFP reports.
Paris “expresses its solidarity with the judges targeted by this decision,” including French judge Nicolas Guillou, and considers that the U.S. sanctions are “contrary to the principle of judicial independence,” said a ministry spokesperson, while the United States justifies these measures on the grounds of the “politicization” of the ICC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday welcomed the U.S. sanctions announced against several judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I congratulate Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, who decided to impose sanctions against the judges of the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. “This is decisive action against the campaign of defamation and lies targeting the State of Israel and its army, in favor of truth and justice,” he added, himself the subject of an ICC arrest warrant since November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
After Lebanese outlet This Is Lebanon claimed that the Lebanese Army dismantled a weapons factory belonging to Hezbollah yesterday in the Sour district, a mokhtar of the village of Hawsh told L'Orient Today that he has not noticed any army activity in the area recently.
According to This is Lebanon, the factory was discovered "by chance" while tracking down one of the individuals who participated in a knife attack on two officers earlier this month in the city of Sour.
On Aug. 7, the Lebanese Army stated that a day earlier, as part of the pursuit of those involved in the attack on army officers and the General Directorate of Public Security, which resulted in injuries in the city of Sour, it raided the home of a citizen in the Hawsh area, where it seized a quantity of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment in his possession. The mokhtar, contacted by L'Orient Today, said that even on Aug. 6, he did not notice any movements made by the army.
An Israeli drone struck an excavator in Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun), according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the South.
This is not the first time that the Israeli army has targeted construction equipment in southern Lebanon since the cease-fire last November.
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters, opposing conscription into the Israeli army and the mobilization of around 60,000 reservists to occupy Gaza City, are blocking major roads in central Israel, reported Haaretz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against ICC judges, according to AFP.
UNIFIL announced in a post on its X account that it had “discovered a tunnel approximately 50 meters long, containing several unexploded munitions, near the village of Qsair” (Marjayoun district).
UNIFIL stated that this discovery was made “during a recent operation in southern Lebanon,” conducted “in close cooperation with the Lebanese Army.”
“In accordance with Resolution 1701, the seized ammunition was handed over to the Lebanese Army,” the statement said.
Four Israeli soldiers injured by old Syrian munitions near Mount Hermon
Four Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded on Wednesday after old Syrian munitions exploded during a search operation in Mount Hermon near the Israeli-Syrian border, Haaretz reported, citing a statement from the Israeli army. The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, and an investigation was opened.
Syria: ISIS commander killed in US-led coalition operation in Idlib
A senior ISIS commander, Salah Nouman, was killed in a coalition operation targeting a house in the town of Atmeh in Syria’s Idlib province, according to Syrian state TV and AFP.
Nouman, reportedly of Iraqi nationality, was described as one of the most dangerous individuals involved in rebuilding ISIS cells in Syria. The U.S.-led coalition did not claim the operation yet.
ICRC warns of humanitarian risks in Gaza evacuation plan
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a statement Wednesday warning that Israel’s approved plan to forcibly transfer civilians from Gaza City to the south could worsen an already catastrophic situation.
“The civilian population of Gaza is living in horrific conditions,” the ICRC said, noting that more than 80% of the Gaza Strip is already under evacuation orders. “It is unimaginable that civilians could be pushed into an even smaller area.”
The ICRC stressed that international humanitarian law protects all civilians, whether they flee or remain, and warned that any further military escalation could increase civilian suffering, divide more families, and risk an irreversible humanitarian crisis. It also expressed concern that the offensive could endanger the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that Israel's "military offensive" to conquer Gaza City "can only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples," after Israel's defence minister authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists.
Israel's plan "will drag the region into a permanent war," the French president posted on social media, reiterating his call for an "international stabilisation mission."
Germany slams escalation of Israel’s Gaza operation
Al Jazeera reports that the German government has criticized what it calls the “escalation” of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, following Tel Aviv’s approval of a plan to conquer Gaza City and the mobilisation of around 60,000 reservists.
Government spokesperson Steffen Meyer said Berlin finds it “increasingly difficult to understand how these actions will lead to the freeing of all the hostages, or to a cease-fire.”
A number of residents of Deir Seryaneh (Marjayoun district) blocked the road of a UNIFIL patrol that had entered olive fields within the perimeter of the village without being accompanied by a Lebanese Army patrol, reports our correspondent in the region.
Iran and the United States have not yet reached the stage where 'effective' nuclear talks can take place, the Iranian foreign minister said Wednesday in remarks carried by state media, according to Reuters.
"Negotiations with the United States must take place at the right time. Every negotiation has a specific time called the 'maturity of negotiation,' and that must be reached for it to happen," said Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
"In my view, we have not yet reached that level of maturity that would allow for effective negotiations with the United States," he added.
A majority of Americans believe UN member states should recognize the Palestinian state, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll
According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, 58 percent of Americans think all United Nations member countries should recognize the State of Palestine.
About 33 percent of respondents disagree with the idea that U.N. members should recognize the Palestinian state, and 9 percent did not respond. This poll, conducted over six days and ending on Monday, was carried out a few weeks after three countries, close U.S. allies — Canada, the United Kingdom, and France — announced their intention to recognize the Palestinian state.
Fire reported near Tabriz airport in Iran
A fire broke out near Tabriz airport in Iran, causing a thick cloud of smoke over the city’s sky, reported the Iranian news agency Fars, cited by Reuters. According to the agency, firefighting operations are underway. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a map showing the long-frozen E1 settlement plan, which would separate East Jerusalem from the occupied West Bank, Aug. 14. (Credit: AFP.)
Besides being another middle finger from Israel to the international community, the approval of the E1 plan seems to bury any prospect of a future Palestinian state.
Berlin criticizes the 'intensification' of the Israeli operation to capture Gaza City
The German government criticizes the “intensification” of the Israeli military operation in Gaza, said a spokesperson, after Israeli Defense Minister gave the green light to seize this Palestinian city and called up 60,000 reservists, reports AFP.
Berlin finds it “increasingly difficult to understand how Israel’s approach” can lead to “the complete liberation of hostages” kidnapped during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and to “a cease-fire,” Steffen Meyer said during a regular press conference.
Jordanian Foreign Minister accuses Israel of 'killing prospects for peace' in the region
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, visiting Russia, accused Israel of “killing prospects for peace” in the region, as the Israeli government gave the green light to the capture of Gaza City.
“We see the Israeli government not only killing Palestinians and killing prospects for peace in the region, but also extending the conflict to Lebanon and Syria,” Safadi said during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
He denounced a “completely inhuman reality created in Gaza by the Israeli aggression,” saying he wanted to discuss with Lavrov “efforts to end the massacres and famine.” “Peace is a strategic goal for all of us. It is the only path to stability in the region,” emphasized the Jordanian foreign minister.
Final approval of the Israeli 'E1' colonization project, which splits the West Bank in two
The Israeli colonization project “E1,” approved last week by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and which effectively plans to split the West Bank in two, received its “final approval” from the Planning Committee of the Civil Administration, a department within the Finance Ministry, according to several Israeli media outlets.
This highly controversial project, which plans the creation of 3,400 housing units between Jerusalem and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, has been condemned by the international community. Smotrich, from the far-right, congratulated himself on a decision that “eliminates the Palestinian state with deeds, not slogans.”
Israeli army orders evacuation of Jabaliya and Gaza City outskirts
The Israeli military has issued a brief statement urging civilians to evacuate Jabaliya and the outskirts of Gaza City, labeling them "active combat zones." Residents have been told to move south within the Gaza Strip. According to Haaretz, leaflets with evacuation instructions and maps were also dropped over the affected neighborhoods.
Israeli soldier seriously wounded in attack on army post in Khan Younis
A group of around 14 fighters attempted to infiltrate an Israeli army post in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, injuring two soldiers — one of them seriously. This marks the first organized group assault on Israeli troops since at least March, according to Haaretz.
Israeli forces returned fire, killing at least eight of the attackers. The army said the base itself was not breached.
Refugee tents and ruined buildings in Gaza City, August 8, 2025. (Credit: Bashar Taleb/AFP)
Invasion plans, civilian evacuations, and military buildup — this article breaks down the key elements of the Israeli offensive on Gaza City.
Gaza city occupation plan approved by Katz: What we know so far
— Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the army’s plan to seize and occupy Gaza City. The plan, initially presented by the army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir — who approved it earlier this week — will now be submitted to the Security Cabinet on Thursday for final approval.
— The operation is named “Gideon’s Chariots II,” a continuation of a previous offensive plan approved in May 2025.
— The plan includes the displacement of Gaza City residents to southern parts of the Strip.
— According to military officials cited by Haaretz, fighting is expected to continue “into 2026,” with up to 130,000 reservists called up. The Defense Ministry confirmed that 60,000 reservists have already been summoned, and the service period for currently deployed troops will be extended by about a month.
— Five army divisions, in addition to the existing Gaza Division, are expected to take part in the assault. Military sources say preliminary attacks and operations are already underway in the area.
— The stated goal is the “defeat of Hamas,” though no clear definition has been provided. Military officials estimate that two Hamas brigades remain active in Gaza City.
Gaza City operation: Israeli hostage families demand urgent meeting with army chief and defense minister
The Forum of Israeli Hostages and Missing Families has requested an urgent meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to secure guarantees for the safety of their loved ones ahead of the military's expanded operations in Gaza.
The demand comes as Katz approved the army’s plans for the operation known as "Gideon’s Chariots II." In a statement cited by Haaretz, the families urged officials to ensure the operation does not lead to “the murder of the six remaining hostages,” referencing the deaths of six captives in Rafah during a previous Israeli advance.
As Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved this morning the military plans for the occupation of Gaza — an operation named "Gideon’s Chariots II" — we invite you to revisit our earlier analysis on the significance behind the name chosen by the Israeli army for its Gaza campaign back in May.
That May 2025 plan already outlined the “conquest” of Gaza and supported a proposal aimed at organizing the “voluntary departure” of its residents.
Israeli settlers lock arms to block soldiers from entering the back gate of Neve Dekalim, in the Gush Katif bloc of southern Gaza, on Aug.15, 2005. (Credit: AFP)
Once dismissed as the obsession of a fringe group of religious extremists, the ambition to re-colonize Gaza has gained ground amid the ongoing war in the enclave—marking a major victory for Israel’s far-right settler movement. 👉 Read the full story here.
Iran warns Israel over new missile capabilities
Two days after Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that a new war with Israel could break out “at any moment,” Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a strong warning to Israel, saying Iran now possesses significantly more advanced ballistic missile capabilities than during the 12-day war in June.
“The missiles used during the 12-day war were developed by the Defense Ministry years ago. Today, however, we have built and deployed new missiles with far superior capabilities,” Nasirzadeh said, as reported by Tehran-based West Asia News Agency (WANA). “If the Zionist regime dares to launch another aggression, we will certainly use them,” he added.
Nasirzadeh also praised Iran’s military performance during the June conflict, despite what he called “some of the world’s most powerful Israeli defense systems” and extensive U.S. logistical, intelligence, and operational support for Israel.
Diplomatic meeting in Paris on Israel-Syria de-escalation
Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Chaibani met with an Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation efforts, regional stability, and non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs, according to Syrian state media.
Australia defends PM after Netanyahu calls him 'weak'
Australia condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s harsh criticism of Australian PM Anthony Albanese, whom Netanyahu called a “weak politician who betrayed Israel.” Australia’s Interior Minister Tony Burke responded, saying strength “is not measured by how many people you can blow up or children you starve.” Tensions rose after Australia announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N.
New crisis between Netanyahu and Macron over antisemitism
Netanyahu accused French President Macron of “fueling antisemitism” by planning to recognize the Palestinian state. The Élysée called this claim “false and despicable” and promised a formal written response, reaffirming France’s commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens.
Israeli army kills Hamas commando officer linked to Oct. 7 attack
The Israeli army said it killed Mohammad Naef Abou Chamala, a Hamas commando involved in the failed Oct.7 attack on the Ma’aras military post — the only Israeli base not breached during the attack.
Israeli strikes and Gaza occupation plans amid cease-fire talks
Israeli strikes have killed at least 28 Palestinians since dawn, including seven near Nousseirat collecting food aid. Israel approved “Operation Gideon’s Chariots II,” a plan to occupy Gaza, calling up 60,000 reservists.
Hamas accepted a cease-fire proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators, but Israel demands the release of all hostages, rejecting a phased return plan.
Welcome to our live blog covering the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, with targeted strikes in Lebanon and developments in Iran and Syria.
Catch up on what you missed yesterday and what to look out for today by reading our 👉Morning Brief
An Israeli drone fired two missiles at the Mayadeen intersection on the outskirts of Hosh, in the district of Sour. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene, according to our correspondent.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Wednesday that a widely condemned Israeli settlement plan, if implemented, would violate international law and risk dividing a future Palestinian state, Reuters reported.
The E1 project, which would divide the occupied West Bank into two and cut it off from East Jerusalem, received final approval on Wednesday from a planning committee at the Defense Ministry.
“If implemented, it would divide the Palestinian state in two, constitute a flagrant violation of international law, and seriously undermine the two-state solution,” Lammy said in a message posted on X, calling on the Israeli government to reverse its decision.
France expressed its “dismay” on Wednesday after the United States decided to impose new sanctions on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including a French judge, according to a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AFP reports.
Paris “expresses its solidarity with the judges targeted by this decision,” including French judge Nicolas Guillou, and considers that the U.S. sanctions are “contrary to the principle of judicial independence,” said a ministry spokesperson, while the United States justifies these measures on the grounds of the “politicization” of the ICC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday welcomed the U.S. sanctions announced against several judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I congratulate Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, who decided to impose sanctions against the judges of the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. “This is decisive action against the campaign of defamation and lies targeting the State of Israel and its army, in favor of truth and justice,” he added, himself the subject of an ICC arrest warrant since November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
After Lebanese outlet This Is Lebanon claimed that the Lebanese Army dismantled a weapons factory belonging to Hezbollah yesterday in the Sour district, a mokhtar of the village of Hawsh told L'Orient Today that he has not noticed any army activity in the area recently.
According to This is Lebanon, the factory was discovered "by chance" while tracking down one of the individuals who participated in a knife attack on two officers earlier this month in the city of Sour.
On Aug. 7, the Lebanese Army stated that a day earlier, as part of the pursuit of those involved in the attack on army officers and the General Directorate of Public Security, which resulted in injuries in the city of Sour, it raided the home of a citizen in the Hawsh area, where it seized a quantity of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment in his possession. The mokhtar, contacted by L'Orient Today, said that even on Aug. 6, he did not notice any movements made by the army.
An Israeli drone struck an excavator in Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun), according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the South.
This is not the first time that the Israeli army has targeted construction equipment in southern Lebanon since the cease-fire last November.
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters, opposing conscription into the Israeli army and the mobilization of around 60,000 reservists to occupy Gaza City, are blocking major roads in central Israel, reported Haaretz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against ICC judges, according to AFP.
UNIFIL announced in a post on its X account that it had “discovered a tunnel approximately 50 meters long, containing several unexploded munitions, near the village of Qsair” (Marjayoun district).
UNIFIL stated that this discovery was made “during a recent operation in southern Lebanon,” conducted “in close cooperation with the Lebanese Army.”
“In accordance with Resolution 1701, the seized ammunition was handed over to the Lebanese Army,” the statement said.
Four Israeli soldiers injured by old Syrian munitions near Mount Hermon
Four Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded on Wednesday after old Syrian munitions exploded during a search operation in Mount Hermon near the Israeli-Syrian border, Haaretz reported, citing a statement from the Israeli army. The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, and an investigation was opened.
Syria: ISIS commander killed in US-led coalition operation in Idlib
A senior ISIS commander, Salah Nouman, was killed in a coalition operation targeting a house in the town of Atmeh in Syria’s Idlib province, according to Syrian state TV and AFP.
Nouman, reportedly of Iraqi nationality, was described as one of the most dangerous individuals involved in rebuilding ISIS cells in Syria. The U.S.-led coalition did not claim the operation yet.
ICRC warns of humanitarian risks in Gaza evacuation plan
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a statement Wednesday warning that Israel’s approved plan to forcibly transfer civilians from Gaza City to the south could worsen an already catastrophic situation.
“The civilian population of Gaza is living in horrific conditions,” the ICRC said, noting that more than 80% of the Gaza Strip is already under evacuation orders. “It is unimaginable that civilians could be pushed into an even smaller area.”
The ICRC stressed that international humanitarian law protects all civilians, whether they flee or remain, and warned that any further military escalation could increase civilian suffering, divide more families, and risk an irreversible humanitarian crisis. It also expressed concern that the offensive could endanger the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that Israel's "military offensive" to conquer Gaza City "can only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples," after Israel's defence minister authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists.
Israel's plan "will drag the region into a permanent war," the French president posted on social media, reiterating his call for an "international stabilisation mission."
Germany slams escalation of Israel’s Gaza operation
Al Jazeera reports that the German government has criticized what it calls the “escalation” of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, following Tel Aviv’s approval of a plan to conquer Gaza City and the mobilisation of around 60,000 reservists.
Government spokesperson Steffen Meyer said Berlin finds it “increasingly difficult to understand how these actions will lead to the freeing of all the hostages, or to a cease-fire.”
A number of residents of Deir Seryaneh (Marjayoun district) blocked the road of a UNIFIL patrol that had entered olive fields within the perimeter of the village without being accompanied by a Lebanese Army patrol, reports our correspondent in the region.
Iran and the United States have not yet reached the stage where 'effective' nuclear talks can take place, the Iranian foreign minister said Wednesday in remarks carried by state media, according to Reuters.
"Negotiations with the United States must take place at the right time. Every negotiation has a specific time called the 'maturity of negotiation,' and that must be reached for it to happen," said Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
"In my view, we have not yet reached that level of maturity that would allow for effective negotiations with the United States," he added.
A majority of Americans believe UN member states should recognize the Palestinian state, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll
According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, 58 percent of Americans think all United Nations member countries should recognize the State of Palestine.
About 33 percent of respondents disagree with the idea that U.N. members should recognize the Palestinian state, and 9 percent did not respond. This poll, conducted over six days and ending on Monday, was carried out a few weeks after three countries, close U.S. allies — Canada, the United Kingdom, and France — announced their intention to recognize the Palestinian state.
Fire reported near Tabriz airport in Iran
A fire broke out near Tabriz airport in Iran, causing a thick cloud of smoke over the city’s sky, reported the Iranian news agency Fars, cited by Reuters. According to the agency, firefighting operations are underway. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a map showing the long-frozen E1 settlement plan, which would separate East Jerusalem from the occupied West Bank, Aug. 14. (Credit: AFP.)
Besides being another middle finger from Israel to the international community, the approval of the E1 plan seems to bury any prospect of a future Palestinian state.
Berlin criticizes the 'intensification' of the Israeli operation to capture Gaza City
The German government criticizes the “intensification” of the Israeli military operation in Gaza, said a spokesperson, after Israeli Defense Minister gave the green light to seize this Palestinian city and called up 60,000 reservists, reports AFP.
Berlin finds it “increasingly difficult to understand how Israel’s approach” can lead to “the complete liberation of hostages” kidnapped during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and to “a cease-fire,” Steffen Meyer said during a regular press conference.
Jordanian Foreign Minister accuses Israel of 'killing prospects for peace' in the region
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, visiting Russia, accused Israel of “killing prospects for peace” in the region, as the Israeli government gave the green light to the capture of Gaza City.
“We see the Israeli government not only killing Palestinians and killing prospects for peace in the region, but also extending the conflict to Lebanon and Syria,” Safadi said during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
He denounced a “completely inhuman reality created in Gaza by the Israeli aggression,” saying he wanted to discuss with Lavrov “efforts to end the massacres and famine.” “Peace is a strategic goal for all of us. It is the only path to stability in the region,” emphasized the Jordanian foreign minister.
Final approval of the Israeli 'E1' colonization project, which splits the West Bank in two
The Israeli colonization project “E1,” approved last week by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and which effectively plans to split the West Bank in two, received its “final approval” from the Planning Committee of the Civil Administration, a department within the Finance Ministry, according to several Israeli media outlets.
This highly controversial project, which plans the creation of 3,400 housing units between Jerusalem and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, has been condemned by the international community. Smotrich, from the far-right, congratulated himself on a decision that “eliminates the Palestinian state with deeds, not slogans.”
Israeli army orders evacuation of Jabaliya and Gaza City outskirts
The Israeli military has issued a brief statement urging civilians to evacuate Jabaliya and the outskirts of Gaza City, labeling them "active combat zones." Residents have been told to move south within the Gaza Strip. According to Haaretz, leaflets with evacuation instructions and maps were also dropped over the affected neighborhoods.
Israeli soldier seriously wounded in attack on army post in Khan Younis
A group of around 14 fighters attempted to infiltrate an Israeli army post in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, injuring two soldiers — one of them seriously. This marks the first organized group assault on Israeli troops since at least March, according to Haaretz.
Israeli forces returned fire, killing at least eight of the attackers. The army said the base itself was not breached.
Refugee tents and ruined buildings in Gaza City, August 8, 2025. (Credit: Bashar Taleb/AFP)
Invasion plans, civilian evacuations, and military buildup — this article breaks down the key elements of the Israeli offensive on Gaza City.
Gaza city occupation plan approved by Katz: What we know so far
— Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the army’s plan to seize and occupy Gaza City. The plan, initially presented by the army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir — who approved it earlier this week — will now be submitted to the Security Cabinet on Thursday for final approval.
— The operation is named “Gideon’s Chariots II,” a continuation of a previous offensive plan approved in May 2025.
— The plan includes the displacement of Gaza City residents to southern parts of the Strip.
— According to military officials cited by Haaretz, fighting is expected to continue “into 2026,” with up to 130,000 reservists called up. The Defense Ministry confirmed that 60,000 reservists have already been summoned, and the service period for currently deployed troops will be extended by about a month.
— Five army divisions, in addition to the existing Gaza Division, are expected to take part in the assault. Military sources say preliminary attacks and operations are already underway in the area.
— The stated goal is the “defeat of Hamas,” though no clear definition has been provided. Military officials estimate that two Hamas brigades remain active in Gaza City.
Gaza City operation: Israeli hostage families demand urgent meeting with army chief and defense minister
The Forum of Israeli Hostages and Missing Families has requested an urgent meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to secure guarantees for the safety of their loved ones ahead of the military's expanded operations in Gaza.
The demand comes as Katz approved the army’s plans for the operation known as "Gideon’s Chariots II." In a statement cited by Haaretz, the families urged officials to ensure the operation does not lead to “the murder of the six remaining hostages,” referencing the deaths of six captives in Rafah during a previous Israeli advance.
As Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved this morning the military plans for the occupation of Gaza — an operation named "Gideon’s Chariots II" — we invite you to revisit our earlier analysis on the significance behind the name chosen by the Israeli army for its Gaza campaign back in May.
That May 2025 plan already outlined the “conquest” of Gaza and supported a proposal aimed at organizing the “voluntary departure” of its residents.
Israeli settlers lock arms to block soldiers from entering the back gate of Neve Dekalim, in the Gush Katif bloc of southern Gaza, on Aug.15, 2005. (Credit: AFP)
Once dismissed as the obsession of a fringe group of religious extremists, the ambition to re-colonize Gaza has gained ground amid the ongoing war in the enclave—marking a major victory for Israel’s far-right settler movement. 👉 Read the full story here.
Iran warns Israel over new missile capabilities
Two days after Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that a new war with Israel could break out “at any moment,” Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a strong warning to Israel, saying Iran now possesses significantly more advanced ballistic missile capabilities than during the 12-day war in June.
“The missiles used during the 12-day war were developed by the Defense Ministry years ago. Today, however, we have built and deployed new missiles with far superior capabilities,” Nasirzadeh said, as reported by Tehran-based West Asia News Agency (WANA). “If the Zionist regime dares to launch another aggression, we will certainly use them,” he added.
Nasirzadeh also praised Iran’s military performance during the June conflict, despite what he called “some of the world’s most powerful Israeli defense systems” and extensive U.S. logistical, intelligence, and operational support for Israel.
Diplomatic meeting in Paris on Israel-Syria de-escalation
Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Chaibani met with an Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation efforts, regional stability, and non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs, according to Syrian state media.
Australia defends PM after Netanyahu calls him 'weak'
Australia condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s harsh criticism of Australian PM Anthony Albanese, whom Netanyahu called a “weak politician who betrayed Israel.” Australia’s Interior Minister Tony Burke responded, saying strength “is not measured by how many people you can blow up or children you starve.” Tensions rose after Australia announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N.
New crisis between Netanyahu and Macron over antisemitism
Netanyahu accused French President Macron of “fueling antisemitism” by planning to recognize the Palestinian state. The Élysée called this claim “false and despicable” and promised a formal written response, reaffirming France’s commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens.
Israeli army kills Hamas commando officer linked to Oct. 7 attack
The Israeli army said it killed Mohammad Naef Abou Chamala, a Hamas commando involved in the failed Oct.7 attack on the Ma’aras military post — the only Israeli base not breached during the attack.
Israeli strikes and Gaza occupation plans amid cease-fire talks
Israeli strikes have killed at least 28 Palestinians since dawn, including seven near Nousseirat collecting food aid. Israel approved “Operation Gideon’s Chariots II,” a plan to occupy Gaza, calling up 60,000 reservists.
Hamas accepted a cease-fire proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators, but Israel demands the release of all hostages, rejecting a phased return plan.
Welcome to our live blog covering the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, with targeted strikes in Lebanon and developments in Iran and Syria.
Catch up on what you missed yesterday and what to look out for today by reading our 👉Morning Brief
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