Israel has announced a significant expansion of its military operation in Gaza, aiming to seize large areas of land and incorporate them into its security zones. Defense Minister Israel Katz made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the operation would also involve a large-scale evacuation of Gaza’s population from combat zones, though he did not provide specifics.
Military Expansion and Evacuations
While no immediate signs of the expanded operation have been observed, Gaza has experienced intense airstrikes. Overnight attacks killed at least 17 people, according to local health officials. The Israeli military has also instructed residents in the southern city of Rafah to leave their homes and move north.
A previous report indicated that Israel was preparing for a major ground offensive involving tens of thousands of troops to clear and occupy sections of Gaza. Katz's statement, however, did not confirm whether additional forces would be deployed.
Israel’s military operation aims to "crush and clear" terrorist elements while securing Israeli-controlled areas, according to the defense minister.
Ongoing Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties
The airstrikes have had devastating consequences for civilians. At least 13 people, including women and children, were killed while sheltering in a residential house after being displaced from Rafah. Two others were killed in central Gaza, according to hospital reports.
Public Reaction and Humanitarian Concerns
Katz’s announcement follows recent protests by thousands of Palestinians against both Hamas and Israel’s military actions. He called on Gaza residents to rise against Hamas, accusing the group of endangering Palestinian lives. He also urged the release of Israeli hostages, stating that removing Hamas from power was the only way to end the war.
Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza two weeks ago after breaking a ceasefire with Hamas. Since then, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed. The United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with Gaza’s food supply running critically low. All bakeries in the enclave have shut down due to a severe shortage of fuel and flour, increasing the risk of famine.
Hostage Families Demand Answers
The expansion of military operations has sparked concerns among the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. A group representing the families released a statement expressing horror at the escalation, arguing that it prioritizes military action over negotiations for hostage releases.
"Instead of securing the release of the hostages through an agreement, the government is sending more soldiers into Gaza to fight in the same places they have fought time and again," the group stated.
Ceasefire Negotiations Continue
Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts to restore a ceasefire continue. Egypt and Qatar have been mediating talks, with Hamas recently agreeing to an Egyptian proposal for a temporary truce in exchange for the release of hostages. Israel responded with a counter-proposal, but negotiations remain uncertain.
As the conflict intensifies, international pressure is growing for a solution that prevents further civilian suffering while addressing security concerns in the region.
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