Israel has ordered a significant expansion of its ground operation in Gaza, seizing more territory while evacuating Palestinians. Nearly 600 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza this week alone.
The expansion comes as the Israeli army seeks to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages. Defense Minister Israel Katz said that if Hamas continues to refuse to release the hostages, Israel will intensify its fighting and seize additional territories. The ministry also stated that Israel will evacuate the Gaza population to the south and implement a U.S.-backed transfer plan for Gaza residents.
The decision to expand the operation was made after the fragile ceasefire with Hamas ended on March 17. The ceasefire had been in place since January 19, but negotiations between the two sides have stalled. Hamas has refused to release all of the remaining hostages, living and dead, with stages of a ceasefire in between releases.
The United Nations has condemned Israel’s actions, with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressing the need for the ceasefire to be respected to bring an end to the suffering of the people. Humanitarian aid must reach all people in need, and the hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia have also condemned the resumption of aggression against Gaza, calling it a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire. The situation remains dire, with over 1,000 injured and at least 180 children killed this week alone.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/israel-orders-expansion-ground-operation-gaza-seizure-territory/story?id=120026507