Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared an escalation of military operations in Gaza, aiming to capture extensive regions of the territory.
Israel Expands Military Operation to Seize "Large Areas" of Gaza
Israel Expands Military Operation to Seize "Large Areas" of Gaza
Israel's Defense Minister announces significant territorial expansion in response to ongoing conflicts with Hamas.
The intensified operations are framed as necessary actions to “destroy and clear the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure,” Katz stated on Wednesday. He outlined that the territories seized would be incorporated into "Israeli security zones" and highlighted the need for a large-scale evacuation of Palestinians residing in those areas. Katz urged the local population to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages, asserting that this was essential for ending the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that Israeli ground operations have begun in Rafah, following Katz's previous warning about the imminent full-force military engagement in additional regions of Gaza.
The shift in strategy comes after Israel reignited its offensive on Gaza on March 18, citing Hamas's rejection of a US proposal to extend a ceasefire and secure the release of 59 hostages still held captive. In contrast, Hamas has accused Israel of breaching their previously established agreement from January.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened significantly; aid has been blocked by Israel since March 2, marking the most prolonged aid obstruction since the conflict erupted. In a further troubling development, the UN announced a reduction in its Gaza operations after a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence responders, and a UN staff member, killed by Israeli forces.
This military escalation is a response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, attributed to Hamas, which left about 1,200 individuals dead and over 250 hostages taken. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,399 since the start of the conflict, showcasing the severe toll the ongoing war continues to impose on the region.
The shift in strategy comes after Israel reignited its offensive on Gaza on March 18, citing Hamas's rejection of a US proposal to extend a ceasefire and secure the release of 59 hostages still held captive. In contrast, Hamas has accused Israel of breaching their previously established agreement from January.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened significantly; aid has been blocked by Israel since March 2, marking the most prolonged aid obstruction since the conflict erupted. In a further troubling development, the UN announced a reduction in its Gaza operations after a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence responders, and a UN staff member, killed by Israeli forces.
This military escalation is a response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, attributed to Hamas, which left about 1,200 individuals dead and over 250 hostages taken. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,399 since the start of the conflict, showcasing the severe toll the ongoing war continues to impose on the region.
