Gaza Operations Intensify Following Ceasefire Disintegration
Recent footage indicates Israeli forces are continuing their offensive within Gaza, as the conflict against Hamas militants escalates after last week’s ceasefire breakdown. The video depicts Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units, supported by armored tanks and bulldozers, operating inside the Palestinian territory, with ground movements concentrated in the northern region.
IDF Conducts Operation in Beit Hanoun
According to an IDF spokesperson, military personnel commenced operations in the Beit Hanoun area of northern Gaza on Saturday. The objective of this operation is to target Hamas’s terror infrastructure sites and enlarge the security perimeter in northern Gaza. The IDF is facilitating the evacuation of civilians from the combat zone for their protection. During the operation, military aircraft targeted multiple Hamas positions and terror infrastructure sites within the area. The IDF will sustain operations against terrorist organizations throughout the Gaza Strip to safeguard Israeli citizens.
- Objective: To target Hamas’s terror infrastructure in Beit Hanoun and expand the security zone.
- Civilian Safety: IDF is enabling civilians to evacuate the combat area.
- Military Action: Airstrikes conducted against Hamas targets and infrastructure.
- Ongoing Operations: IDF to continue actions against terror groups in Gaza.
Palestinian Casualties Reported in Southern Gaza
Health authorities in Gaza, administered by Hamas, reported that Israeli strikes across the southern Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians overnight. Among the fatalities were a Hamas political figure, along with several women and children, according to the ministry.
Residents reported that tanks had advanced into an area within the southern city of Rafah, coinciding with military evacuation orders issued for the locality.
Evacuation Order in Rafah’s Tel al-Sultan Neighborhood
The military instructed residents to evacuate the significantly damaged Tel al-Sultan neighborhood. The evacuation was to be conducted on foot, utilizing a designated single route leading to Mawasi.
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Ceasefire Termination and Subsequent Airstrikes
Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas concluded last week when Israel initiated a series of surprise airstrikes. These strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians according to sources.
Israeli Cabinet Approves “Voluntary Departure” Directorate
Late Saturday, the Israeli Cabinet sanctioned a proposal to establish a new directorate. This body is tasked with advancing the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians, aligning with former US President Donald Trump’s suggestion to reduce Gaza’s population and facilitate its reconstruction for alternative inhabitants.
Palestinian Rejection and Legal Concerns
Palestinian factions have stated their opposition to leaving their land. Concurrently, human rights organizations have cautioned that the plan could be construed as expulsion, potentially violating international law.
Defense Minister Affirms Legal Compliance
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the new directorate would operate “subject to Israeli and international law.” He added that it would coordinate “passage by land, sea and air to the destination countries.”
Context of Renewed Hostilities
The ceasefire, which commenced in January, had paused 15 months of intense conflict. This prior fighting was initiated by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terror assault into Israel.
The two factions were scheduled to commence negotiations in early February regarding the subsequent phase of the truce. This phase was intended to involve Hamas releasing the remaining 59 hostages (35 of whom are presumed deceased) in exchange for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners, a sustained ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal.