Israel approved new settlements in the occupied West Bank, while its troops have reached the outskirts of Gaza City. The developments raise questions about the viability of a cease-fire proposal.

If the process moves quickly, infrastructure work could begin in the next few months and construction of homes could start in around a year.

Across the West Bank – home to roughly three million Palestinians – livelihoods have collapsed since the onset of Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

Michael Pampas, 30, was booked Aug. 15 with first-degree rape, two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and possession of pornography involving a juvenile under the age of 13, said Capt. Jason Rivarde, spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

According to Gaza City officials, Palestinians have started to evacuate some areas of the city as Israeli forces launch the initial stages of a planned ground offensive.