Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday the expansion of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which will involve seizing large areas of the enclave and incorporating them into Israeli security zones.
Katz emphasised that the operation would lead to the large-scale evacuation of Gaza’s population from conflict zones, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Katz’s statement called on the people of Gaza to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages, framing these demands as necessary steps to end the war.
Israeli forces have resumed airstrikes on Gaza and deployed ground troops back into the enclave, following a period of relative calm after the conclusion of a US-backed truce that facilitated the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Israeli leaders have also stated their intention to facilitate the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza. This follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who proposed permanently evacuating the territory and redeveloping it as a coastal resort under US control.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by Qatari and Egyptian mediators to revive negotiations aimed at ending the conflict have yet to yield progress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that military pressure remains the most effective means of securing the release of the 59 hostages still held by Hamas.
The military campaign was launched after Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli officials.
In retaliation, Israel’s operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the military offensive.
