GAZA/UNITED NATIONS – Hamas on Tuesday condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's announcement of plans to establish three military outposts in the northern Gaza Strip.
In a press statement, Hamas said Katz's announcement reflected "the mentality of displacement and ethnic cleansing that governs the leaders of the Israeli occupation."
The movement accused Israel of pursuing plans to seize Palestinian land "in complete disregard and contempt for international law and UN resolutions."
Hamas called on mediators involved in ceasefire efforts, including the United States, to take action against the attempts.
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During a recent visit to northern Gaza, Katz said the destruction in the area was the result of a deliberate policy and described seeing it as giving him "a good feeling."
In an interview recorded during the visit and broadcast by Israel's Channel 14 on Monday, Katz said Israel intends to establish three military outposts in the Gaza Strip.
UN: Military activity in Gaza disrupts aid
UN humanitarians said on Tuesday their partners reported relief-disrupting, intensified Israeli military activity near the "Yellow Line" in northern Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the world body and its humanitarian partners received reports on Tuesday of intensified military activity in the vicinity of northern Rafah sites near the so-called Yellow Line, including reported tank movements toward one of the sites for the displaced.
"Initial reports indicate that one Palestinian was killed and three others were injured at one of the sites," OCHA said. "The injured were reportedly transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross Field Hospital for treatment."
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The office said that on Monday, the humanitarians consulted representatives of 17 displacement sites hosting about 3,000 families, following reports of movements of Israeli forces and disruptions to humanitarian services in the area.
"Community representatives reported that the yellow blocks marking the line had been moved northward," OCHA said. "They described daily movements of Israeli tanks, construction of sand embankments, and recurrent gunfire. Families reportedly remain inside their tents for much of the day due to fears of being injured by gunfire."
Some residents told humanitarians they wish to relocate but have few viable options due to limited space elsewhere, shortages of tents and other essential items, and inadequate access to services. Others said they remain because they fear losing access to their homes, land or property.
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The office said their partners reported that the insecurity is severely disrupting the delivery of essential assistance. A water-truck driver was reportedly injured by gunfire on July 8.
In the West Bank, OCHA said that over the weekend, settlers reportedly attacked Palestinians working on agricultural land in an area in southern Hebron governorate. Some 30 Palestinians were injured, including children, women and older persons. Damage to olive trees and agricultural infrastructure was also reported.
"During the incidents, Israeli forces reportedly arrived at the scene, declared the area a closed military zone and ordered Palestinian farmers to leave, while settlers remained in the area," the office said. "These incidents reflect a recurring pattern of settler violence affecting Palestinians attempting to access and cultivate their agricultural land."
OCHA said its partners are assisting affected communities, adding that civilians must be protected and that all incidents of violence must be addressed in line with international law.
