The Israeli military has now reportedly initiated a new ground offensive in Gaza, sending troops into areas they had previously retreated from during a two-month ceasefire.
This escalation follows a series of airstrikes that occurred just a day earlier, claiming the lives of over 400 individuals, including many children, and injuring hundreds more.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the start of a “targeted ground operation” aimed at bolstering the “security perimeter” between Gaza and Israel.
Their strategy includes creating a “partial buffer zone” to help separate the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip. The IDF stated that they have re-established control in the Netzarim corridor, a strategic area dividing Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the people of Gaza in a video message, emphasizing the urgent need for the return of hostages held by Hamas and the removal of the militant group from power.
He warned that the consequences of the military operation would be severe if these conditions were not met and indicated that population evacuations from combat zones would resume.
In response to the renewed military action, protests erupted in several Israeli cities, with demonstrators calling for the immediate release of hostages.
Many protesters expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of neglecting the safety of the hostages.
Polls show that a significant portion of the Israeli public opposes the end of the ceasefire and favors diplomatic negotiations.
The airstrikes preceding the ground offensive targeted mid-level Hamas leaders, with Hamas confirming the deaths of five leaders.
As hostilities continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with the local health ministry reporting a high number of civilian casualties.
[READ MORE: Israel Kills Hundreds, Including Many Civilians, In Stunning New Strikes on Gaza]
