In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would soon "expand vigorously" its offensive across the region, specifically in the southern part of Gaza. This announcement follows the military's assertion of control over a "security zone" separating the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, in a bid to target military operations carried out by Hamas.
Israel's Military to Intensify Offensive Across Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israel's Military to Intensify Offensive Across Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israel's defense minister signals a major escalation in military activity throughout Gaza as hostilities with Hamas continue.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for Khan Younis and surrounding areas, warning residents to leave as Israel retaliates against recent rocket attacks from Gaza, which were claimed by Hamas. The renewed offensive against Hamas, which resumed on March 18 after a two-month ceasefire, has reportedly displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians in Gaza. Israel aims to push Hamas to release 59 hostages still believed to be held, 24 of whom are thought to be alive.
On Saturday, Katz stated the IDF had completed the capture of the "Morag axis," a former Jewish settlement located strategically between Rafah and Khan Younis, now included within a newly established Israeli security zone. This development effectively isolates Rafah from Khan Younis as Israel extends its operational capabilities throughout the territory.
Officials warn that military activity will soon intensify, and residents in the expanded areas of northern Gaza are also being urged to evacuate, including neighborhoods in Beit Hanoun and other parts of the central Gaza corridor. Katz emphasized that action must be taken now to eliminate Hamas forces and secure the hostages.
As the situation escalates, Hamas accused Israel of causing civilian casualties and referred to the hostages' fate as increasingly uncertain. The UN's human rights office condemned the evacuation orders for not meeting international law standards, pointing out the lack of adequate accommodations for those affected by the conflict. Israeli officials, however, assert that these measures are necessary to protect civilians from being utilized as human shields by Hamas.
Turkey's disaster agency, AFAD, reported that nearly 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage in a previous unprecedented attack on October 7. Since the resumption of hostilities in March, reports indicate that over 50,933 people have died in Gaza, including 1,563 since the conflict reignited.
As the violence continues, the plight of civilians remains a critical concern for international observers, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian support and conflict resolution in one of the world's most persistently troubled areas.
On Saturday, Katz stated the IDF had completed the capture of the "Morag axis," a former Jewish settlement located strategically between Rafah and Khan Younis, now included within a newly established Israeli security zone. This development effectively isolates Rafah from Khan Younis as Israel extends its operational capabilities throughout the territory.
Officials warn that military activity will soon intensify, and residents in the expanded areas of northern Gaza are also being urged to evacuate, including neighborhoods in Beit Hanoun and other parts of the central Gaza corridor. Katz emphasized that action must be taken now to eliminate Hamas forces and secure the hostages.
As the situation escalates, Hamas accused Israel of causing civilian casualties and referred to the hostages' fate as increasingly uncertain. The UN's human rights office condemned the evacuation orders for not meeting international law standards, pointing out the lack of adequate accommodations for those affected by the conflict. Israeli officials, however, assert that these measures are necessary to protect civilians from being utilized as human shields by Hamas.
Turkey's disaster agency, AFAD, reported that nearly 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage in a previous unprecedented attack on October 7. Since the resumption of hostilities in March, reports indicate that over 50,933 people have died in Gaza, including 1,563 since the conflict reignited.
As the violence continues, the plight of civilians remains a critical concern for international observers, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian support and conflict resolution in one of the world's most persistently troubled areas.
