Gaza: Israel set to expand military operations
Shafaq News/ Israel is preparing to expand its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, citing stalled negotiations with Hamas, according to state-owned broadcaster KAN.
The Israeli military is reportedly planning to mobilize additional reserve forces, despite concerns over troop fatigue. Preparations for intensified operations are underway, following calls from several ministers within the Security Cabinet.
KAN also reported that the military has started setting up a new “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza, situated between the Morag Corridor and Rafah. This area is intended to relocate Palestinian civilians after security inspections. Aid distribution in the zone will be handled by American civilian firms, operating under the supervision and protection of the Israeli military.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approved the expanded operational plans last Friday, KAN added.
Israeli officials estimate that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 confirmed alive. In comparison, more than 9,900 Palestinians are detained in Israeli facilities, where human rights organizations have reported cases of torture, malnutrition, and inadequate medical care, with several deaths attributed to these conditions.
Israeli military operations resumed on March 18, ending a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal that had been in effect since January 19.
Since October 2023, more than 52,300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air and ground assaults, with the majority of casualties reported to be women and children, according to Gaza health authorities.
