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This midweek, Israel's defense forces declared the opening of a temporary route along Salah al-Din street to allow residents to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip.

This move comes as Israel launched a major assault into the city, featuring armored vehicles and remote-controlled military equipment loaded with explosives.

Official Announcement

As per a communication by representative an Israeli military official, the passage will be accessible for a limited period solely.

Israeli forces estimated that the campaign in the region could require a number of months to finish.

Worldwide Criticism

The offensive was launched despite international criticism and a recently published United Nations report that accused Israel of perpetrating genocide in Gaza.

Israeli authorities dismissed the report as false.

"The Israeli government is set to continue the operation and refuses to genuine ceasefire discussions," said UN Secretary-General the top UN official.

Leadership Statements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the goals of the operation were defeating the enemy and evacuating the population, omitting any reference of freeing captives—a previously stated objective.

Relatives of hostages protested near the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, accusing him of neglecting their family members.

Civilian Conditions

Local health authorities in the strip reported that 59 people were dead and 386 injured in the last 24 hours, bringing the reported fatality count to nearly 65,000 after nearly 24 months of hostilities.

Many residents reported heavy airstrikes that shook the ground and forced multiple displacements.

Diplomatic Moves

The European Commission is due to propose a plan to European countries to pressure the Israeli government to change course in Gaza.

EU foreign policy chief the official warned that the offensive would worsen an already critical crisis.

Additional Developments

• Iran hanged a man convicted of spying for the Mossad.
• An Australian broadcaster indicated it would not boycott next year's Eurovision even if Israeli participants are allowed to compete.
• Well-known authors such as a novelist and award winner Annie Ernaux called on French President Macron to restart a program to rescue Palestinian intellectuals and artists.