In a written statement, Katz indicated that the operation now includes an “extensive evacuation” of residents from active combat zones. It follows an Israeli directive mandating the full evacuation of Rafah and surrounding localities.
Israel has long maintained a buffer zone within Gaza along the security fence, but since the conflict began in 2023, this space has increased substantially.
While Israel views it as necessary for protection, Palestinians consider it a land grab further reducing Gaza’s already narrow coastal territory of roughly 2 million people.
Territorial seizures and evacuations
Katz did not specify which regions of Gaza would be absorbed but highlighted ongoing efforts to push out Hamas and secure the release of hostages. “Expel Hamas and return all hostages. This is the only way to end the war,” he said. The militant group still holds 59 captives, with 24 believed to be alive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated Israel plans to maintain open-ended security control in Gaza once Hamas is neutralized.
Ongoing airstrikes
Meanwhile, overnight Israeli strikes in Khan Younis killed at least 17 people, according to hospital officials. Medical personnel at Nasser Hospital said twelve bodies, including five women—one pregnant—and two children were retrieved from one airstrike, while five other fatalities were reported from two separate strikes.
The current military flare-up in the conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 251 hostages.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 50,000 Palestinians have died since Israel’s response began, though it does not distinguish between militants and civilians. Israel asserts it has neutralized roughly 20,000 Hamas fighters.
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Source: Reuters, Associated Press, France24, The Times of Israel