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Israel to Intensify Gaza Offensive as Military Claims Control of Border Zone
Israeli forces are poised to significantly escalate their offensive operations across much of Gaza, according to an announcement from the nation’s defense minister. This development comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared they have completed the capture of a designated “security zone” in southern Gaza, effectively bisecting the region between Rafah and Khan Younis. The intensified military action and territorial claims heighten concerns amid the ongoing
IDF Establishes “Security Zone” and Issues Evacuation Orders
The Israeli military has issued directives for the evacuation of Khan Younis and adjacent areas, citing preparations for impending strikes. These actions are reportedly a response to projectile launches from Gaza, for which
This escalation follows the resumption of Israel’s offensive against Hamas on March 18th, after a two-month ceasefire dissolved. Since then, the
Buffer Zone Aim and Hostage Situation
The IDF has asserted control over land encompassing the entire border of the Palestinian territory, designating it as a
“Morag Axis” and Territorial Control
Over the weekend, Defense Minister Katz stated that the IDF had finalized the takeover of the “Morag axis,” referencing a former Israeli settlement situated between Rafah and Khan Younis. He clarified that this action integrates the area spanning from the Philadelphia axis to Morag into the established
This territorial acquisition effectively severs the southern city of
Expansion of Military Activity and Evacuation Warnings
Minister Katz conveyed a warning that “IDF activity will soon expand vigorously to additional locations throughout most of Gaza.” He emphasized that individuals residing in these areas “will have to evacuate the fighting zones,” signaling a widespread escalation of the
He described this juncture as “the last moment to remove Hamas, release the hostages, and bring about an end to the war.”
Furthermore, Katz indicated that areas in northern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun and the Netzarim Corridor—which bisects central Gaza—are also undergoing evacuation to facilitate the expansion of a “security zone” in those regions.
“In northern Gaza as well – in Beit Hanoun and other neighbourhoods – residents are evacuating, the area is being taken over and the security zone is being expanded, including in the Netzarim corridor,” Katz stated.
Responses and Reactions
The IDF, when contacted for comment, directed inquiries to the defense ministry’s statements.
Hamas, as quoted by AFP, asserted that the
The UN human rights office previously cautioned that
The Israeli government has countered these criticisms, stating that
Recent Military Actions and Casualties
Following Minister Katz’s announcement, the
The IDF reported that its air defenses intercepted three projectiles launched from Gaza towards Israeli territory. Hamas’s military wing subsequently claimed responsibility for this attack. No casualties were reported in Israel.
In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that as of 13:00 local time (11:00 BST) on Saturday, 21 individuals had died and 64 more had been injured in the preceding 24 hours.
The
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 50,933 people have died in Gaza since then. Of those, 1,563 deaths have occurred since March 18th, when Israel recommenced its