Why it matters:
The escalation signals Israel’s intent to expand its control over Gaza and occupy more land in the besieged enclave.
The issue will worsen an already dire humanitarian situation. With over 50,000 Palestinians being killed since October 2023, the conflict has triggered legal challenges in international courts.
The big picture:
Israel’s military is ramping up operations, targeting Rafah and Khan Yunis with heavy air and artillery strikes.
Israel War Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strike is expanding to seize "large areas" and incorporate them into security zones.
The death toll in Gaza has surged since military actions resumed on March 18, with over 1,000 killed and more than 2,500 injured in the latest wave of attacks.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces attacked the city of Tulkarem, as raids on the West Bank city and the Nur Shams refugee camp continued for the 66th consecutive day. The attack occurred in the Shuweika suburb amid a large-scale arrest campaign launched in the Dhahra area, Wafa reported.
What he's saying:
Katz emphasized that Israel is not only intensifying its attacks but is also focused on territorial gains in Gaza, signaling prolonged military engagement.
Context:
- Since October 2023, Israeli military actions have killed 50,399 Palestinians and wounded 114,583.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former War Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is reviewing a genocide case against Israel over its actions in Gaza.
Go deeper:
As Israel expands its military footprint in Gaza, humanitarian groups warn that further offensives could push Gaza closer to total collapse.
Israel kills over 60 Palestinians on Day of Eid al-Fitr
Hossein Vaez
