Israel To Expand Military Operation And Capture Large Areas Of Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced plans to expand military operations in Gaza, intending to seize “large areas” of the territory and establish “security zones.” This operation is aimed at eradicating terrorists and their infrastructure, which will involve a large-scale evacuation of Palestinians from affected areas.

The announcement follows reports of heavy casualties, with at least 15 Palestinians reported killed overnight, including children, in the Khan Younis area. Israeli airstrikes and shelling have been particularly concentrated near the Egypt border, and there are growing concerns of a major Israeli ground offensive in Gaza.

Additionally, Israel’s military has issued evacuation orders for an estimated 140,000 people in Rafah and parts of northern Gaza.

Israel has significantly expanded a buffer zone around Gaza during the course of the war and seized control of a central land corridor. The military launched its renewed offensive on March 18, after accusing Hamas of rejecting a US proposal for an extended ceasefire and the release of 59 hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas, on the other hand, accused Israel of violating the original January deal.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel expressed alarm at the expansion of military operations, urging the Israeli government to prioritize the release of hostages. Katz, in his statement, also encouraged Gazans to remove Hamas and free the hostages, though no specific actions were outlined.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with Israel halting aid deliveries since March 2, and the UN reducing operations after a deadly attack on Palestinian medics and responders. The war, which began after a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas, has claimed over 50,000 lives in Gaza.