Israel expands Gaza operation by announcing a sweeping military push to seize additional land and establish new security zones, according to Defence Minister Israel Katz. The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the military issuing new evacuation orders and intensifying pressure on Hamas through both combat and psychological means.
Katz confirmed that large-scale evacuations would occur in areas facing active fighting, while urging Gaza’s civilians to act against Hamas. “Eliminate Hamas and return the hostages—that is the only way to end the war,” Katz stated. His comments followed renewed Israeli air and ground assaults, with the 36th Division deployed to support operations under the Southern Command.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had already warned residents of Rafah and Khan Yunis to relocate to the Al-Mawasi zone on Gaza’s coast, previously designated a humanitarian corridor. However, the Defence Minister did not specify how much additional territory Israel plans to seize in this latest phase.
Already, Israeli forces have expanded buffer zones within Gaza, including the Netzarim corridor—a central security belt cutting across the enclave. The objective appears twofold: dismantle Hamas infrastructure and isolate remaining pockets of resistance, while encouraging civilian dissent against Hamas rule.
Signs of growing unrest among Gazans toward Hamas have emboldened Israeli leaders. Officials believe escalating operations and territorial control could intensify civilian pressure on the group, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 and is designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and others.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that military pressure remains the most effective way to secure the return of the remaining 59 Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks. “Now is the time for Gaza residents to take action,” Netanyahu said.
The Hostage Families’ Forum reacted with concern, saying they were “horrified” by the Defence Minister’s announcement. The group stressed Israel’s obligation to exhaust all diplomatic options to secure a hostage deal.
The war reignited last month after a two-month lull, during which a U.S.-brokered truce allowed hostage-prisoner exchanges. Since then, Israel has resumed airstrikes and ground invasions, killing hundreds more Palestinians and blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel accuses Hamas of hijacking supplies for military purposes.
International diplomatic efforts, led by Qatar and Egypt, have so far failed to resume negotiations. Simultaneously, Israel has expanded military actions beyond Gaza, targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and Syria, including a recent strike on a Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces continue sweeping operations in refugee camps, citing the presence of Iranian-backed militants.
The war began after Hamas-led gunmen launched a large-scale attack on October 7, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel invaded Gaza. According to Palestinian health authorities, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since, and nearly the entire population of 2.3 million has been displaced—many now living in tents and makeshift shelters.
