Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced that the military would significantly ramp up its operations across much of Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have taken control of a security zone in southern Gaza, particularly between Rafah and Khan Younis. This area is crucial as it helps manage the tensions stemming from recent rocket launches from Gaza, which Hamas has claimed responsibility for.
The military’s renewed offensive began on March 18 after a two-month ceasefire ended. Since that time, numerous areas of Gaza have been seized, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. The IDF refers to these actions as creating a buffer zone to prevent further attacks.
Israeli officials claim that the goal of this offensive is to exert pressure on Hamas to release 59 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, with 24 of them reported to be alive. Katz stated that the entire region between the Philadelphia axis and Morag is now part of Israel’s security zone.
This takeover effectively isolates Rafah from Khan Younis, as Rafah comprises about one-fifth of Gaza’s territory. Katz mentioned that military activities would soon expand to other parts of Gaza. He urged residents in these areas to evacuate for their safety, saying it was critical to eliminate Hamas and free the hostages.
As the conflict continues, major international concerns have arisen. The United Nations’ human rights office has criticized Israel’s evacuation orders, claiming they violate international laws related to the treatment of civilians during wartime. Israeli officials argue that their operation aims to shield civilians from being exploited by Hamas as human shields.
The IDF reported that its air defense systems intercepted several projectiles fired from Gaza over the weekend, with Hamas later confirming their role in the attacks. In the past days, 21 people in Gaza reportedly lost their lives, with injuries numbering 64 in just 24 hours.
Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, over 50,933 people in Gaza have been reported killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This alarming statistic highlights the severe human cost of ongoing hostilities. The IDF’s renewed operations and the humanitarian implications of these military actions continue to draw attention from around the world and raise pressing questions about the future of peace in the region.
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