AMIT SEGEL -- For the first time since the war began, the IDF has issued a direct evacuation notice to residents of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza—a previously untouched area. Asides from military targets, this is noteworthy for another reason: Israel believes hostages are being held there
So why is the IDF moving in - and why now?
There are two main possibilities.
First is that this is an attempt to pressure Hamas. By moving into a new area in Gaza—nearly two years into the war—Jerusalem may be hoping to spook Hamas into caving in ceasefire negotiations. How so? By threatening a ground operation in an area it previously avoided, Israel may be signaling its willingness to escalate unless a deal is reached quickly.