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Jerusalem — The Israeli military has intensified its operations in the Gaza Strip, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that the offensive aims to “crush and clean the area” of militants and expand security zones within Israel’s territory. This announcement follows the significant escalation in military action after the initial terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which prompted Israel to enhance its buffer zone along the Gaza border.
While Israeli officials assert that the buffer zone is essential for national security, many Palestinians perceive it as an aggressive expansion that further minimizes their territory, which is already limited and densely populated by approximately 2 million people.
Katz did not clarify specific regions of Gaza that would be impacted by the military operation. He noted, however, that it would involve a comprehensive evacuation of civilians from areas engaged in combat. This statement comes amidst orders from the Israeli military for residents of the southern city of Rafah and surrounding areas to leave, marking a shift in tactics following the collapse of a ceasefire mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that after defeating Hamas, Israel would seek to maintain an unspecified and enduring security presence in Gaza.
“The only way to end the war”?
Katz urged the residents of Gaza to “expel Hamas and return all hostages,” referring to an ongoing humanitarian crisis where Hamas is confirmed to still hold 59 captives, with 24 believed to be alive. In his view, addressing the hostage situation is critical for bringing the war to a close.
The Hostage Families Forum, representing the relatives of the captives, contested Katz’s perspective, expressing distress over the escalation of military actions. The forum highlighted the urgent need for the Israeli government to prioritize negotiating for the release of all hostages, stressing that delays endanger their safety.
In their statement, the families expressed their horror at the Defense Minister’s announcement and called for immediate action, indicating that their loved ones are enduring severe conditions, including mistreatment and a lack of medical care.
Death and displacement in Gaza 16 days after Israel resumes war
On the ground, the violence continues unabated, with reports of airstrikes in Gaza resulting in multiple civilian casualties. Recent air raids in the city of Khan Younis caused the deaths of at least 17 individuals, including women and children, as hospitals reported receiving a significant number of casualties. The violence has intensified following the collapse of the ceasefire, which had temporarily reduced hostilities.
Since the conflict reignited, over 50,400 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives, with 1,066 of those fatalities occurring since the cessation of the ceasefire on March 18, according to estimates from the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Israeli claims suggest the elimination of around 20,000 militants, yet these figures lack transparent verification.
In addition, the United Nations estimates that more than 140,000 people have been displaced since hostilities resumed. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many individuals facing the daunting task of repeatedly relocating, often with scant personal belongings and limited access to basic needs amid an ongoing blockade.
As families flee, they confront harrowing challenges, including shortages of food and water. United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric acknowledged the critical state of humanitarian aid in Gaza, noting that the World Food Program had ceased operations in its bakeries due to a lack of essential supplies—a stark indicator of the deteriorating conditions on the ground.
Despite an earlier influx of aid during the ceasefire, agency representatives have voiced concerns about the humanitarian logistics as crossings into Gaza remain largely shut off, limiting essential deliveries.
COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing civilian affairs in the occupied territories, reported that around 450,000 tons of aid entered Gaza during the ceasefire but claimed that some of this assistance was misappropriated by Hamas. The UN has countered these assertions, affirming the integrity of its aid distribution processes.
Crisis in the Middle East
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