Israel Expands Military Operations in Gaza
Israel announced a major military expansion in Gaza on Wednesday, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that large areas of Gaza would be seized and turned into Israeli security zones. The operation includes mass evacuations and intensified attacks aimed at clearing out Hamas fighters and infrastructure. Katz urged Palestinians to remove Hamas and return Israeli hostages, saying, “This is the only way to end the war.”
Israeli forces have issued evacuation orders to tens of thousands in Rafah and Khan Younis, pushing them toward designated humanitarian zones. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 50,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began, with casualties rising daily. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel reacted with dismay, saying they were “horrified” by the escalation and called for the government to prioritize hostage recovery.
The situation has worsened as Israel maintains an aid blockade on Gaza, cutting off vital resources. Efforts to broker a ceasefire, led by Qatar and Egypt, have stalled. While Israeli leaders argue military pressure will force Hamas to surrender, critics warn the expansion deepens the humanitarian crisis and risks further destabilizing the region.
