Israel expands Gaza offensive amid escalating conflict

[MIDDLE EAST] Israel has declared a considerable increase in its military campaign in the Gaza Strip, with ambitions to take large areas of the region and incorporate them into its security zones. Defense Minister Israel Katz made the declaration on Wednesday, marking one of the most significant advances in the current combat.

Katz added that the operation's goal is to "eradicate and cleanse the region of terrorists and their infrastructure" while securing "large areas" for inclusion in Israel's security framework. The statement comes amid increased airstrikes and ground operations, which resumed last month after a two-month ceasefire.

The Israeli military has also issued evacuation orders to residents in several areas of Gaza, including Rafah in the south, urging them to relocate to northern parts of the enclave. However, details on the extent of land to be seized or the timeline for these actions remain unclear.

Background and Context

The war erupted on March 18 after a brief truce engineered by Qatar and Egypt failed to produce long-term calm. The conflict dates back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a horrific offensive on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has killed more than 50,000 people in Gaza, according to local health ministry data.

Israel claims that its measures are vital for national security and the repatriation of hostages held by Hamas. Katz maintained his position, pushing Gazans to "remove Hamas" as a condition for halting hostilities.

Humanitarian Concerns

The expanded military operation has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has described the situation as "extremely dire," with food supplies dwindling due to Israel's blockade of entry points into the enclave. The World Food Program recently shut down all 25 of its bakeries in Gaza due to a lack of flour and fuel.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric criticized Israeli claims that sufficient aid has been delivered as "absurd," highlighting that humanitarian organizations are running out of resources.

International Reactions

The announcement has elicited diverse reactions worldwide. US President Donald Trump has already proposed developing Gaza into a coastal resort under American supervision after transferring its population—a proposal that is consistent with Israel's intentions for voluntary Palestinian emigration. Meanwhile, mediators from Qatar and Egypt have tried to restart peace negotiations.

Human rights organizations have decried the conflict's high civilian casualty and displacement rates. Critics believe that Israel's tactics constitute collective punishment for Gaza's 2.4 million population.

Strategic Implications

Israel's plan to expand its security zones within Gaza includes enhancing buffer areas like the Netzarim corridor, which bisects the enclave. Analysts suggest this move could permanently alter Gaza's territorial integrity and demographic landscape.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the strategy as essential for securing Israel's borders and pressuring Hamas into releasing hostages. However, questions remain about how sustainable these measures are in achieving long-term peace.

As Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, the region faces mounting humanitarian challenges and geopolitical uncertainty. With no clear resolution in sight, international stakeholders continue to call for renewed efforts toward a negotiated settlement.