Israel expands military operation in Gaza, plans to seize large areas

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that the country would be expanding its military operation in Gaza, with plans to seize large areas of the enclave and integrate them into Israel’s security zones.

In a statement, Katz confirmed that the Israeli military would undertake large-scale evacuations from areas experiencing active fighting. He also urged Gazans to eliminate Hamas and secure the return of Israeli hostages as the only way to bring the conflict to an end.

The precise amount of land Israel intends to seize remains unclear. However, it has already established a significant buffer zone within Gaza, including an expanded security area in the Netzarim corridor, which cuts through the middle of the enclave.

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Additionally, Israeli leaders have suggested facilitating the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza. This aligns with a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocated for Gaza to be permanently evacuated and redeveloped as a coastal resort under U.S. control.

Israel resumed airstrikes and ground troop operations in Gaza earlier this month after a two-month period of relative calm following the conclusion of a U.S.-brokered truce, which allowed for the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

Despite efforts by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, talks aimed at ending the war have not made substantial progress.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that continued military pressure is the most effective strategy for securing the return of the remaining 59 Israeli hostages.