Israeli Forces Launch Ground Operations in Central and Southern Gaza
The Israeli military announced on Wednesday the commencement of ground operations in central and southern Gaza “over the past day.” These actions are aimed at establishing a buffer zone separating the northern and southern regions of the territory.
Operation Follows Intense Airstrikes
This ground incursion follows a significant escalation in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. Beginning early Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday, the aerial bombardment effectively ended a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January.
Expanding Control in Netzarim Corridor
A key component of the ground operation involves extending Israeli military control further into central Gaza, specifically within the Netzarim Corridor. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described this corridor as strategically important and stated via their Telegram channel that the operation is intended to widen the security zone.
Protests Erupt in Jerusalem
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem to protest both the renewed hostilities in Gaza and the recent dismissal of the head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency.
Clashes Reported During Demonstrations
Multiple news sources indicated clashes between law enforcement and protestors, with reports of several arrests. According to the news site ynet, some participants in the demonstrations attempted to breach security checkpoints.
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IDF Vows to Continue Gaza Operations
The IDF has declared its intention to “continue to operate against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip in order to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.”
Netzarim Corridor Context
In February, the IDF had withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, maintaining a presence only in a 1-kilometer-wide area along the Israeli border.
This earlier withdrawal had facilitated the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza from southern areas. The implications of the IDF’s expanded control of the corridor on Gaza’s population are currently unclear.
The military has decided to deploy a brigade to its southern command, ensuring the unit remains “ready for operations in the Gaza Strip,” according to the IDF.
Reports of Palestinian Casualties
Medical sources within Gaza reported at least 24 Palestinian fatalities and approximately 30 injuries resulting from an Israeli strike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.
Initial reports suggest the casualties were individuals mourning a deceased family member.
This information remains to be independently verified. The Israeli military stated they would investigate the reports.
The Israeli Navy also conducted strikes against several vessels off the Gazan coast, alleging they were utilized by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad for terrorist activities.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported “dozens of dead and injured” following an IDF action in Gaza City. An IDF spokesperson stated that a “precise attack on a Hamas terrorist” was carried out. Independent verification of these claims is still pending.
WAFA also reported a suspected Israeli strike on a UN facility in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, causing at least one death.
However, the IDF refuted these claims, stating, “Contrary to reports, the Israeli army did not attack a UN building in Deir al-Balah.” They urged media outlets to exercise caution regarding unverified reports.
Israel attributed the renewed hostilities to Hamas’s refusal to release additional hostages amidst stalled negotiations to extend the ceasefire.
Earlier on Wednesday, WAFA reported at least 16 deaths, including two individuals killed in a drone strike in al-Mawasi, a densely populated tent encampment designated as a humanitarian zone. Civilians, including a woman and child, were also reportedly killed in the Khan Younis area, southern Gaza.
The IDF stated they targeted a Hamas military site in northern Gaza overnight, claiming preparations for rocket attacks on Israeli territory were underway.
Israeli Minister Urges Gazans to ‘Remove Hamas’
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the evacuation of civilians from combat zones in the Gaza Strip would continue soon, urging the population to “remove Hamas.”
In a video statement, Katz described the airstrikes on Hamas targets as an initial phase and cautioned that subsequent actions would be “much worse,” without providing further details.
Katz warned residents of Gaza that they would “pay the full price.”
On Tuesday, the first day of renewed Israeli offensive, the Hamas-run health authority reported over 400 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. This authority does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties, and these figures are subject to independent verification.
Resumption of Hostilities After Ceasefire
The current airstrikes mark a resumption of conflict two months after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. That previous agreement facilitated the release of hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations regarding a permanent ceasefire and the reconstruction of Gaza have since reached a standstill.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday the resumption of operations against Hamas, stating that future negotiations “will only be conducted under fire.”
Israeli tanks positioned on the border between Israel and Gaza. Following the breakdown of ceasefire extension efforts, Israel initiated a series of air strikes against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa