Estimates from officials in the Israeli security services indicate that US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, who arrives in Tel Aviv on Monday, will demand that Israeli government officials allow residents of the northern Gaza Strip who are in areas sheltering displaced persons in the central and southern Strip to return to their areas, according to Haaretz newspaper quoted sources it described as “informed.”

The newspaper indicated on its website that officials in the White House “fear” the worsening humanitarian catastrophe taking place in the southern Gaza Strip, and they want to “convey a message” to officials in Tel Aviv that the method of combat operations in the northern Gaza Strip, as it is currently taking place, is "You must change."

The newspaper added, "Despite the widespread destruction caused by the Israeli army in the northern Gaza Strip, in recent weeks, American officials have raised clear demands from officials in the Israeli government that the residents of the northern Gaza Strip be allowed to return to their homes."

It stated that estimates by senior security officials in Tel Aviv indicate that Blinken will present clear and direct demands in this regard. Note that Blinken said during a press conference held on Sunday evening in Doha, with the participation of the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman, that “the United Nations can play a decisive role regarding the return of the Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza.”

He said, "90% of the population of the Gaza Strip faces a severe food shortage," noting that "the immediate increase of aid in Gaza, especially in the north, is essential."

According to Haaretz, Israeli army officials realize that “international law prohibits forcing anyone to leave their home in combat zones, and therefore it will be difficult to continue preventing the movement of civilians to the north.”

It pointed out that "the return of nearly a million people to their areas in the northern Gaza Strip will make things difficult for the Israeli army, especially with regard to maintaining large forces inside the Gaza Strip that may be exposed to direct contact with the civilian population."

It added, "It is possible that Hamas will exploit the return of the population to its advantage, such that the Israeli security services will be forced to modify the nature of operational activities in the region so as not to expose the forces to danger."

Israeli reports indicate that the Israeli army is already moving to the third phase of combat operations targeting the northern areas of the Gaza Strip, which includes carrying out lightning raids, specific incursions and raids, instead of intensive attacks and widespread deployment of forces.

Israeli Channel 12 reported, on Sunday evening, that Blinken will demand that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially announce the end of the phase of concentrated and violent fighting in northern Gaza, and move to the “next” phase, which includes specific operations and attacks.

However, Channel 12 reported that the talks that Blinken will hold with officials in Tel Aviv will focus on the “northern front,” in reference to the escalating confrontations with Hezbollah.

The channel pointed out the escalation of American fears of “opening another front in Lebanon,” referring to the escalation of confrontations leading to a comprehensive war with Hezbollah, in light of the shuttle talks conducted by the American envoy, Amos Hockstein, in this regard.

During the press conference in Doha, US Secretary of State Blinken said, “The Palestinians cannot and should not be forced to leave Gaza.” He stressed that "Palestinian civilians must be able to return to their homes."

He added, "As soon as circumstances permit." He expressed Washington's "rejection" of the statements made by Israeli politicians and officials in recent days regarding the displacement of Palestinians out of Gaza.

Blinken described such Israeli statements as “irresponsible” and make the situation more difficult.