Photo: JACK GUEZ / AFP / Getty Images
Israel has ordered an expansion of its ground operation in Gaza, intensifying military actions following the end of a ceasefire with Hamas. Nearly 600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes this week, including 180 children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli army has been instructed to seize more territory while evacuating Palestinians, as stated by Defense Minister Israel Katz. The expansion aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages, with Israel threatening to take more territory if Hamas continues to refuse.
The ceasefire, which ended on Monday (March 17), had been in place since January 19 as part of a three-phase deal. However, negotiations for the subsequent phases stalled, leading to resumed hostilities. Israel demands the release of all remaining hostages, with stages of a ceasefire in between releases. The Ministry of Defense stated that Israel would use all military and civilian means, including evacuating Gaza's population to the south.
"If the Hamas terrorist organization continues to refuse to release the hostages -- I have instructed the IDF to seize additional territories while evacuating the population and expand the security zones around Gaza for the benefit of protecting Israeli communities and IDF soldiers through permanent maintenance of the territory by Israel. The more Hamas continues its refusal, the more territory it will lose to Israel," Katz said in a statement released by the Defense Ministry.
The situation remains tense, with further military actions expected as Israel continues its operations in Gaza.