Israel Threatens To Expand Ground Offensive Deep Into Gaza
Israel has escalated its military operations in the Gaza Strip, announcing control over a key corridor that has completely cut off the southern town of Rafah from the rest of the besieged Palestinian territory. The Israeli military's statement on Saturday declared that its forces have encircled Rafah and established a "security zone" in the area.
According to Israel Katz, the Minister of Military Affairs, the military has taken control of the Morag axis, which crosses Gaza between Rafah and Khan Yunis. The area between the Philadelphi Route along the border with Egypt and Morag is now part of the Israeli security zone. Palestinians have been ordered to move westward, with warnings of intensified military operations and evacuations in combat zones.
The situation is dire, with two-thirds of Gaza designated as "no-go" zones or placed under evacuation orders since Israel ended a two-month ceasefire and resumed its military campaign on March 19. The UN reports that 390,000 Palestinians, almost a fifth of the 2.1 million population, have been displaced with no safe place to go.
The Gaza health ministry reports that Israeli forces have killed over 1,500 people across Gaza since mid-March. A UN Human Rights Office report stated that dozens of these strikes resulted in the deaths of only women and children. The Government Media Office has updated the death toll since October 2023 to over 61,700, with thousands presumed dead under the rubble.
Hamas has warned that the Israeli offensive not only kills defenseless civilians but also puts the fate of occupation prisoners uncertain. Senior leaders from the Palestinian movement were set to hold talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo, anticipating significant progress toward reaching an agreement to end the war and ensure the full withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza.
The conflict escalated on March 18, 2025, when Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, effectively ending the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire. The Israeli strikes, codenamed Operation Might and Sword, targeted leadership figures, mid-ranking military commanders, and Hamas's operational infrastructure. However, experts believe Israel indiscriminately attacked the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds, mostly women and children.
The escalation drew large-scale international attention, with the United Nations Security Council convening an emergency session to address the crisis. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed by dead and wounded, and essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, in short supply.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Israeli military's latest threats sparking fears of further escalation. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis worsens, and the need for a peaceful resolution becomes increasingly urgent. The international community must work toward finding a solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the protection of civilians. With no end in sight, the people of Gaza face an uncertain future, and the world watches with growing concern.
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