In a significant escalation of military activity, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that the Israeli army is actively seizing extensive areas in Gaza and designating them as buffer zones devoid of inhabitants. This move is part of a strategy aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages held by the militant group. During a visit to the newly established Morag Corridor, which connects the southern Gaza cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis, Katz declared, “Large areas are being seized and added to Israel’s security zones, leaving Gaza smaller and more isolated.”
Katz described the current situation in Gaza, stating that its population is already in the process of evacuating from designated combat zones. He urged the people of Gaza to instigate a change in governance by pushing Hamas out of power and ensuring the return of hostages. “This is the only way to stop the war,” he emphasized, while also warning that the Israeli military plans to intensify its operations across Gaza until both the hostages are freed and Hamas is decisively defeated.
Moreover, Katz referenced ongoing discussions regarding the implementation of a plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which entails the “voluntary emigration” of residents from Gaza. This controversial proposal has generated debate regarding its humanitarian implications amidst the ongoing conflict.
The announcement comes on the heels of Israel resuming heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Attempts to restore this truce have thus far proven unsuccessful. The renewed military actions have had significant consequences for civilians in Gaza; earlier on the same day, the Gaza civil defense agency reported that an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, including women and children.
In response to inquiries from the media regarding the airstrike, the Israeli military explained that the target was a senior Hamas operative linked to planning and executing terrorist attacks. However, specifics about the individual were not provided, and the military reiterated its long-standing claim that Hamas often employs “human shields,” a point that Hamas has consistently denied.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community watches closely, amid rising concerns over civilian casualties and the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
