Israel’s military reportedly now plans to expand its operations in the Gaza Strip, with Defense Minister Israel Katz announcing that the country will seize “large areas” to enhance security zones.
This announcement coincided with a call for a significant evacuation of Gaza’s civilian population as part of a broader military strategy dubbed “Operation Might and Sword.”
Katz urged Gaza residents to cooperate in eliminating Hamas to facilitate the return of hostages held by the militant group.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would begin seizing territory, targeting terrorists, and destroying infrastructure, particularly in a newly designated area dubbed the “Morag Axis,” which aims to further isolate Gaza.
The offensive has already ramped up in recent weeks, with the IDF expanding its presence in southern Gaza. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes resulted in casualties, including the deaths of at least 17 individuals in Khan Younis overnight.
As military operations intensify, the IDF has issued evacuation orders for residents of Rafah, directing them towards the al-Mawasi tent encampment, which had previously been marked as a safe zone despite continued strikes in the area.
The Hostages Families Forum expressed horror at the military escalation, arguing that increased pressure could jeopardize the lives of hostages. They urged the Israeli government to prioritize negotiations for their release.
Over the course of the ongoing conflict, which escalated following Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of over 50,000 deaths in Gaza.
Humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, leading to the closure of all World Food Programme bakeries due to fuel and flour shortages. Critics, including Doctors Without Borders, have called for an end to the blockade, citing dire conditions for civilians.
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