In a significant escalation, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Israel will expand its military operations in Gaza, seizing large portions of the region and incorporating them into its security zones. The move comes as the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities.
Katz stated that the military campaign would involve a large-scale evacuation of civilians from combat zones, signaling an intensified offensive. The Israeli army had already issued evacuation orders to residents in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, directing them to move north as military operations intensified.
According to Katz, the goal of the operation is to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and reclaim key territories for Israel’s security. He also urged Palestinians to reject Hamas and facilitate the return of Israeli hostages, insisting that doing so was the only way to bring an end to the conflict.
The renewed military action follows a fragile truce that had been in place since January 19, during which Israel and Hamas engaged in prisoner and hostage exchanges. However, Israel accused Hamas of breaching the US-brokered ceasefire and resumed its offensive on March 18.
