Israel is preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza, which is expected to worsen the humanitarian crisis in the region. The death toll from the attacks and retaliations between Israel and Hamas has reached nearly 5,800, according to the UN. Here are the latest developments: 1. Israel’s ground offensive aims to free the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. Israel will intensify airstrikes in Gaza to minimize risks to troops when they enter, according to Israel’s military spokesperson. 2. Palestinians have received warnings from Israel’s forces to move to the south of Gaza Strip. They could be identified as sympathizers with a terrorist organization if they stay put. 3. Hamas has released two US citizens who were kidnapped near the Israel-Gaza border on October 7. The mother and daughter pair were visiting Israel on a holiday. 4. Hamas claims that they offered to release two more hostages on humanitarian grounds, but Israel declined. The Israeli government called the claim propaganda. 5. Israel’s bombings in Syria have put two airports out of service. The airstrikes are seen as a warning to Iran, which is believed to support groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. 6. Israel has bombed a mosque in the West Bank, killing “terror operatives” from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The Palestinian health ministry reported two deaths in the strike. 7. Gaza is facing unprecedented devastation, with over 40% of housing damaged or destroyed. More than half of Gaza’s population has been displaced. Sanitation facilities have been affected, leading to increased cases of diseases like chicken pox, scabies, and diarrhea. The UN has called for an immediate end to violence and described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic. The world is urged to do more to address the desperate humanitarian situation in the region.