Israel has announced an expansion of its offensive in Gaza, signaling an escalation in its ongoing military operations against Hamas. This move follows the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, which was broken in mid-March. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would soon extend its activities across most of Gaza, with a particular focus on creating “security zones” in key areas.
The military has already seized significant portions of Gaza, including areas along the borders, which it has dubbed a buffer zone to prevent attacks from Hamas. The IDF has successfully taken control of the “Morag axis,” an area connecting Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This strategic move effectively divides Rafah, one of Gaza’s largest cities, from the rest of the territory, further consolidating Israel’s grip on the region.
Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas, including Khan Younis, where Israel has warned that strikes are imminent. The IDF’s offensive aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages, with 59 people still believed to be held in Gaza, including 24 who are reportedly alive. However, the expansion of military operations has been met with criticism. Hamas accuses Israel of targeting civilian populations, which it argues exacerbates the situation for hostages and civilians alike.
The United Nations’ human rights office has also voiced concerns, noting that the evacuation orders may violate international law. These orders, they argue, lack provisions for basic necessities like shelter, hygiene, and food. Israel, however, insists that these evacuations are necessary for civilian protection and to prevent Hamas from using civilians as human shields.
Since the resumption of Israel’s offensive on March 18, the violence has escalated dramatically. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 50,000 people have been killed since the start of the conflict in October 2023, with 1,563 fatalities occurring since the military’s latest offensive began. As the fighting intensifies, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, and international calls for peace grow louder.
