Israeli Military Expands Operations in Gaza Amid Ongoing Hostilities
Netanyahu confirms operations target Hamas, while civilian casualties rise amid escalating violence.
Following Israel's announcement to expand its military operations in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are 'fragmenting' the region to increase pressure on Hamas for the return of abducted individuals.
In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel 'controls territories, strikes at terrorists, and dismantles infrastructure,' mentioning that the army has taken control of the Morag Axis, located between the southern provinces of Khan Younis and Rafah.
The Morag Axis refers to a former Israeli settlement in Gaza dismantled during the Israeli withdrawal in 2005.
Netanyahu linked the current operations to the Philadelphi Route, a no-man's land along the border between Gaza and Egypt, which Israeli forces were meant to withdraw from during the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement in the region.
Israeli military sources reported on Wednesday that forces had completed encircling the Tel al-Sultan area in Rafah, apprehending individuals deemed 'suspects' for interrogation.
IDF spokesperson Avichai Adraee announced the discovery of numerous munitions and perceived threats to Israeli soldiers that were subsequently destroyed.
Israeli Defense Forces continued their encirclement of the Tel al-Sultan district and expanded the security zone in Rafah, with operations supported by the 14th Brigade under Gaza Division 143.
Airstrikes conducted by Israel resulted in the deaths of at least 34 individuals on Wednesday, according to Gaza's Civil Defense.
Among the deceased were 19 Palestinians, including 9 children, following an airstrike on a building housing a medical clinic operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Jabalia refugee camp, located in northern Gaza.
UNRWA confirmed that the airstrike hit 'two rooms on the first floor of a now-destroyed health center,' which had been serving as a shelter for 160 displaced families.
As individuals gathered near the remains of Palestinian casualties, one displaced resident, Abu Ahmad Jaber, expressed his outrage questioning the killings of children and called for international intervention.
The Israeli military justified the airstrike by asserting that Hamas militants were targeted in the building.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on the UNRWA clinic, urging international action to halt Israeli violence against civilians.
Since the commencement of the conflict, which escalated following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military has targeted numerous UNRWA buildings sheltering displaced individuals.
UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, noted on social media about the impact of ongoing military actions on aid operations.
On the same day, Israeli forces conducted aerial strikes in southern and central Gaza, resulting in 13 additional deaths in Khan Younis and two in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, as reported by local civil defense units.
Prior to the strikes, the IDF had called for evacuations in extensive areas of Rafah and nearby Khan Younis.
Late Wednesday, the Israeli military intercepted projectiles launched from Gaza toward Israeli territory.
Ahead of Netanyahu's remarks, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that military operations in Gaza are expanding 'to destroy terrorists and their infrastructure and clear the area of Hamas.' He encouraged residents of Gaza to act decisively to expel Hamas and release hostages.
Families of hostages held in Gaza criticized the resumption of military operations, describing the situation as 'horrific.' They argued against military action and called for negotiations to secure the hostages' release, emphasizing that military pressure jeopardizes their safety.
As the conflict endures, the Palestinian health ministry, under Hamas administration, reported approximately 1,066 fatalities from Israeli assaults since renewed fighting began.
Total casualties in Gaza reached approximately 50,423 since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. The initial Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,218 individuals in Israel, according to official Israeli records.
The Israeli military has also reported that 251 individuals were kidnapped during the Hamas assault, with 58 still held captive, including 34 presumed dead.
Since March 2, 2023, Israel has restricted the entry of aid into Gaza, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Reports indicate that bakeries are shuttering due to flour shortages.
One resident detailed the dire circumstances, noting the lack of essential supplies.
The United Nations Human Rights Council condemned the resumption of airstrikes on Gaza, urging Israel to assume responsibility for preventing mass atrocities and lifting the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
In a politically charged atmosphere, Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s recent visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem sparked international condemnation from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, while Hamas labeled the visit a 'provocation and serious escalation.'
In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel 'controls territories, strikes at terrorists, and dismantles infrastructure,' mentioning that the army has taken control of the Morag Axis, located between the southern provinces of Khan Younis and Rafah.
The Morag Axis refers to a former Israeli settlement in Gaza dismantled during the Israeli withdrawal in 2005.
Netanyahu linked the current operations to the Philadelphi Route, a no-man's land along the border between Gaza and Egypt, which Israeli forces were meant to withdraw from during the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement in the region.
Israeli military sources reported on Wednesday that forces had completed encircling the Tel al-Sultan area in Rafah, apprehending individuals deemed 'suspects' for interrogation.
IDF spokesperson Avichai Adraee announced the discovery of numerous munitions and perceived threats to Israeli soldiers that were subsequently destroyed.
Israeli Defense Forces continued their encirclement of the Tel al-Sultan district and expanded the security zone in Rafah, with operations supported by the 14th Brigade under Gaza Division 143.
Airstrikes conducted by Israel resulted in the deaths of at least 34 individuals on Wednesday, according to Gaza's Civil Defense.
Among the deceased were 19 Palestinians, including 9 children, following an airstrike on a building housing a medical clinic operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Jabalia refugee camp, located in northern Gaza.
UNRWA confirmed that the airstrike hit 'two rooms on the first floor of a now-destroyed health center,' which had been serving as a shelter for 160 displaced families.
As individuals gathered near the remains of Palestinian casualties, one displaced resident, Abu Ahmad Jaber, expressed his outrage questioning the killings of children and called for international intervention.
The Israeli military justified the airstrike by asserting that Hamas militants were targeted in the building.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on the UNRWA clinic, urging international action to halt Israeli violence against civilians.
Since the commencement of the conflict, which escalated following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military has targeted numerous UNRWA buildings sheltering displaced individuals.
UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, noted on social media about the impact of ongoing military actions on aid operations.
On the same day, Israeli forces conducted aerial strikes in southern and central Gaza, resulting in 13 additional deaths in Khan Younis and two in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, as reported by local civil defense units.
Prior to the strikes, the IDF had called for evacuations in extensive areas of Rafah and nearby Khan Younis.
Late Wednesday, the Israeli military intercepted projectiles launched from Gaza toward Israeli territory.
Ahead of Netanyahu's remarks, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that military operations in Gaza are expanding 'to destroy terrorists and their infrastructure and clear the area of Hamas.' He encouraged residents of Gaza to act decisively to expel Hamas and release hostages.
Families of hostages held in Gaza criticized the resumption of military operations, describing the situation as 'horrific.' They argued against military action and called for negotiations to secure the hostages' release, emphasizing that military pressure jeopardizes their safety.
As the conflict endures, the Palestinian health ministry, under Hamas administration, reported approximately 1,066 fatalities from Israeli assaults since renewed fighting began.
Total casualties in Gaza reached approximately 50,423 since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. The initial Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,218 individuals in Israel, according to official Israeli records.
The Israeli military has also reported that 251 individuals were kidnapped during the Hamas assault, with 58 still held captive, including 34 presumed dead.
Since March 2, 2023, Israel has restricted the entry of aid into Gaza, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Reports indicate that bakeries are shuttering due to flour shortages.
One resident detailed the dire circumstances, noting the lack of essential supplies.
The United Nations Human Rights Council condemned the resumption of airstrikes on Gaza, urging Israel to assume responsibility for preventing mass atrocities and lifting the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
In a politically charged atmosphere, Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s recent visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem sparked international condemnation from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, while Hamas labeled the visit a 'provocation and serious escalation.'
