As Israel expands its war in Gaza, decision-making has become increasingly concentrated in the hands of one person: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The post Netanyahu says he ordered stepped up efforts to evacuate civilians from Gaza City appeared first on The Times of Israel.

The warning came just hours after two gunmen opened fire at a Jerusalem bus stop, killing six people. Hamas has claimed responsibility.

As the IDF pursues a new ground offensive in Gaza, families of hostages held by Hamas are protesting on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's doorstep, begging him to bring the remaining hostages home.

The post Overseeing Gaza City op, Netanyahu emphasizes efforts to evacuate civilians appeared first on The Times of Israel.

The Israeli military on Thursday said that four of its soldiers were killed, and one severely injured in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Mr. Elgarat was among a small group of protesters who had gathered near Mr. Netanyahu’s private residence on Tuesday to support other relatives of hostages who had camped outside the apartment block overnight. Israel believes there are about 20 hostages still alive in Gaza, as well as the bodies of others who have been killed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Gaza City as Hamas’s “last important stronghold.”

Officials of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said they began the offensive last night, which is aimed at breaking Hamas' grip in the region. IDF troops are expecting resistance from up to 3,000 Hamas and allied fighters in Gaza City.