Israel expands military campaign in Gaza, establishes new security zone

The decision comes alongside a widespread evacuation order, as the Israeli military warned residents in the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis to move to the Al-Mawasi area – previously designated as a humanitarian zone.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation would help “eliminate terrorism and its infrastructure” in Gaza. He called on local residents to rise up against Hamas, stressing that the only way to end the conflict was to destroy the group and release the remaining Israeli hostages.

Mr Katz's statement did not specify how much of Gaza's territory Israel intended to control or how long it would maintain a military presence.

The Israeli military said the 36th Division, which was transferred to the Southern Command last month, would take part in the operation. Earlier, a source said Israel planned to send tens of thousands of troops into Gaza to occupy and control key areas.

A scene of devastation in Gaza seen from the border between Israel and Gaza on March 8. Photo: GI

The announcement of the expansion of the operation came as Israel continued its heavy air strikes on Gaza. At least 17 people were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes in southern Gaza, according to reports from Nasser Hospital and the European Hospital in Khan Younis. Thirteen of them – including women and children – were killed while taking shelter in civilian homes after being evacuated from Rafah.

Since Israel resumed its military campaign last month, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, while humanitarian aid into Gaza has been severely reduced. The United Nations has warned that food supplies are running out, pushing Gaza's 2.3 million people into a humanitarian crisis.

Not only did the decision to expand the operation cause a crisis in Gaza, it also created controversy within Israel. The Israel Hostage Families Forum – representing the relatives of the 59 remaining hostages – expressed outrage, saying the government should prioritize reaching an agreement to release the hostages instead of prolonging the conflict.

"Instead of securing the release of the hostages through negotiations, the Israeli government continues to send more troops into Gaza to fight in places where they have fought many times before," the group said.

As the Gaza campaign escalates, Israel has also expanded its attacks into southern Lebanon and Syria. On April 1, the Israeli military carried out an airstrike on the southern outskirts of Beirut, targeting a Hezbollah commander, escalating regional tensions.

In the West Bank, the Israeli army also stepped up its campaign against Palestinian militant groups, raising concerns that conflict could erupt on multiple fronts at once.

Ngoc Anh (according to AJ, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-mo-rong-chien-dich-quan-su-o-gaza-lap-vung-an-ninh-moi-post341138.html