Gaza City, Gaza Strip – The Israeli military has recently stepped up its attacks on Gaza, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel’s forces would be changing tactics in the territory. The goal is to divide and capture more areas of the strip as part of an intensified campaign against Hamas in Gaza until the group agrees to revised ceasefire terms.
Since Israel renewed its military operations in Gaza on March 18, the territory has been subjected to heavy bombing. The Gaza health ministry reported that at least 86 people were killed in a span of 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 1,249. An Israeli strike on a house in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of 19 people, including women and children.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) extended airstrikes and ground operations throughout Gaza, with troops conducting ground activity in the area of Shejaiya in northern Gaza to expand the security zone. Israeli forces have been dismantling Hamas infrastructure and eliminating terrorists in the operation while allowing civilians to evacuate the combat zones.
Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel intends to seize more territory in Gaza, with plans to take control of the Morag Corridor. This move is seen as a strategic decision to pressure Hamas and potentially divide Gaza into three sections for greater control. The IDF’s actions are aimed at keeping areas under strict military control to prevent movement between different parts of Gaza.
The focus on seizing the Morag corridor is also viewed as a political decision to appeal to right-wing extremists in the Israeli government. The history of the Morag settlement and the divisive nature of settlements in Gaza play a role in the current conflict. The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been shattered, with both sides struggling to reach a long-term agreement.
Negotiations have stalled, with Hamas rejecting Israel’s proposals for temporary ceasefires. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with hunger and desperation growing due to a humanitarian blockade imposed by Israel. The conflict, which began in October 7, 2023, has taken a heavy toll on civilians, with thousands of Palestinians losing their lives in the ongoing violence.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The impact of the conflict on the people of Gaza, as well as the broader implications for the region, are at the forefront of global concerns.