In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip. This move comes as the military plans to launch an operation against Hamas militants who have been using the area to launch rocket attacks towards Israel.

The affected area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone, situated in the southern Gaza Strip. The evacuation order has forced Palestinians, already displaced multiple times due to the relentless Israeli air and ground offensive, to flee from parts of Khan Younis.

The humanitarian zone, which covers a stretch of about 14 kilometers along the Mediterranean, is currently home to an estimated 1.8 million Palestinians. However, the area is facing severe humanitarian challenges. Tent camps lacking proper sanitation and medical facilities have become prevalent, and access to aid is limited, according to U.N. and humanitarian groups. Families are living amidst mountains of trash and contaminated streams.

This announcement comes amidst delicate negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza. U.S. and Israeli officials express hope for an imminent agreement, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a crucial visit to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress. A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, according to Netanyahu's office.

The war in Gaza has taken a devastating toll, claiming the lives of more than 38,900 people, according to the territory's Health Ministry. The war began when Hamas militants launched an assault on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, most of them civilians. It also led to the captivity of approximately 250 hostages, with around 120 still remaining, some believed to be dead.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued to target central and southern Gaza, claiming the lives of at least 15 people, including women and children, on Sunday alone. The situation in already beleaguered Gaza has further deteriorated with the detection of the polio virus in sewage samples. The lack of proper water and sanitation services has worsened the already precarious humanitarian conditions for the 2.3 million displaced people in the territory.

In response to the crisis, the Israeli military has announced that soldiers will be vaccinated, and collaboration with organizations is underway to provide vaccines for the Palestinians.

Prime Minister Netanyahu remains steadfast in his determination to prioritize the eradication of Hamas' military and governing capabilities and secure the release of the remaining hostages. Families of hostages, along with thousands of other Israelis, have been holding weekly demonstrations, urging the prime minister to reach a cease-fire deal that would bring their loved ones safely home.