The Israel Defense Forces are set to expand operations targeting Hamas, amidst claims that the situation is becoming increasingly dire for civilians in Gaza.
**Israel Plans Major Expansion of Military Offensive in Gaza**
**Israel Plans Major Expansion of Military Offensive in Gaza**
Israeli Defence Minister announces intensified military actions throughout Gaza amid evacuation orders.
Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has declared that the military will soon "expand vigorously" its offensive across much of the Gaza Strip. This announcement comes after the IDF reported completing the establishment of a "security zone" in the southern Gaza region, specifically between the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. As part of the military's strategy, evacuation orders have been issued for Khan Younis and surrounding areas in anticipation of strikes responding to recent projectile attacks from Gaza, which Hamas has taken responsibility for.
The renewed offensive against Hamas began on March 18, after the expiration of a two-month ceasefire, during which the IDF has made significant territorial gains, displacing hundreds of thousands of Gazans once again. Large swathes of land along the borders of Gaza have been described by Israeli officials as a buffer zone meant to thwart impending attacks. The ongoing military campaign reportedly aims to compel Hamas to release 59 remaining hostages, with the fate of 24 believed to still be alive.
Katz emphasized that the IDF has successfully secured the "Morag axis," a strategic route previously associated with a Jewish settlement, effectively cutting off the city of Rafah from Khan Younis. He urged inhabitants in these areas to evacuate as military operations prepare to expand. “This is the last moment to remove Hamas and release the hostages, bringing an end to the war,” he stated.
Additionally, the Minister indicated that evacuations were also occurring in northern Gaza, including in Beit Hanoun and along the Netzarim Corridor, to create further security zones. Following these statements, the IDF confirmed a focused operation in response to recent rocket launches from Gaza, with air defenses successfully intercepting three projectiles claimed by Hamas. Throughout this conflict, reports suggest that civilian casualties have escalated, with the Hamas-led health ministry in Gaza reporting 21 deaths and over 60 injuries in a single day.
The Israeli military's actions began in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in substantial tolls on both sides: approximately 1,200 fatalities and numerous hostages taken. Latest figures from health officials in Gaza indicate that over 50,933 lives have already been lost since the onset of these escalated actions. Human rights organizations have warned that the evacuation orders issued by the Israeli government do not meet international law standards, alleging failures to ensure adequate living conditions for the displaced civilians. These conditions have led to criticisms from many quarters, including Hamas, which decries the offensive for targeting defenseless civilians and jeopardizing hostages' safety.
The renewed offensive against Hamas began on March 18, after the expiration of a two-month ceasefire, during which the IDF has made significant territorial gains, displacing hundreds of thousands of Gazans once again. Large swathes of land along the borders of Gaza have been described by Israeli officials as a buffer zone meant to thwart impending attacks. The ongoing military campaign reportedly aims to compel Hamas to release 59 remaining hostages, with the fate of 24 believed to still be alive.
Katz emphasized that the IDF has successfully secured the "Morag axis," a strategic route previously associated with a Jewish settlement, effectively cutting off the city of Rafah from Khan Younis. He urged inhabitants in these areas to evacuate as military operations prepare to expand. “This is the last moment to remove Hamas and release the hostages, bringing an end to the war,” he stated.
Additionally, the Minister indicated that evacuations were also occurring in northern Gaza, including in Beit Hanoun and along the Netzarim Corridor, to create further security zones. Following these statements, the IDF confirmed a focused operation in response to recent rocket launches from Gaza, with air defenses successfully intercepting three projectiles claimed by Hamas. Throughout this conflict, reports suggest that civilian casualties have escalated, with the Hamas-led health ministry in Gaza reporting 21 deaths and over 60 injuries in a single day.
The Israeli military's actions began in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in substantial tolls on both sides: approximately 1,200 fatalities and numerous hostages taken. Latest figures from health officials in Gaza indicate that over 50,933 lives have already been lost since the onset of these escalated actions. Human rights organizations have warned that the evacuation orders issued by the Israeli government do not meet international law standards, alleging failures to ensure adequate living conditions for the displaced civilians. These conditions have led to criticisms from many quarters, including Hamas, which decries the offensive for targeting defenseless civilians and jeopardizing hostages' safety.
