"Israeli Army's Evacuation Plan for Gaza Strip Receives Approval and Criticism"

Israel's military has proposed a plan to evacuate civilians from areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip as part of its offensive against the Hamas militant group, with plans to expand the offensive to Rafah on the Gaza-Egypt border. Clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen continue, while mediators work on a possible ceasefire to free hostages held by Hamas. The draft ceasefire deal includes the release of hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has warned of famine in Gaza if vital aid is not allowed in. Jordan's King Abdullah II has also warned of a wider regional war if Israel continues its military campaign during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in March.