According to the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, published in London, armed groups in Gaza are considering transferring living hostages to Gaza City to link their fate to the planned invasion of the largest city in the Strip. Sources in the terror organizations told the newspaper that this plan to move hostages to Gaza City, despite intentions to evacuate residents and subsequently capture the city, is still being considered, though no decision has been made yet. "The goal is to increase pressure on Israel and connect the fate of the living hostages to Netanyahu's decisions," the report stated.