Gaza Military Operation: Israel Expands Military Presence
In a significant escalation of its military efforts, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday a comprehensive expansion of operations within the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. During a press statement, Katz revealed plans for the Israeli army to take control of “large areas” of this contested Palestinian territory, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
The defense chief reiterated that the primary aim of this increased military presence is to effectively eradicate terrorist threats and dismantle related infrastructures within the Gaza Strip. While Katz did not provide specific details about the geographical scope of the territories to be occupied, he did indicate that these areas would be integrated into designated Israeli security zones.
Intensification of Military Actions
This announcement aligns with previous warnings made by Katz about the impending escalation of military activities in additional regions governed by Hamas. Following a break of nearly two months, Israel has reignited its bombing campaigns in Gaza since March 18, thus resuming ground offensives that had been temporarily halted.
The hostilities date back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to the deaths of 1,218 individuals, according to estimates by AFP based on official Israeli figures. The ensuing Israeli military response has been devastating, with the health ministry in Gaza reporting that the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 50,357 fatalities, predominantly among civilians.
