Israel has announced a significant escalation of its military offensive in Gaza, declaring plans to seize large areas of the enclave and incorporate them into expanded “security zones.” The move will involve the forced displacement of large numbers of Palestinians.
In a statement, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Palestinian civilians would be ordered to evacuate areas where fighting is ongoing. He urged residents to take action against Hamas and secure the release of Israeli captives as the only way to bring an end to the war.
The Israeli army has already issued evacuation orders for Palestinians in and around Rafah in the south, directing them toward Khan Yunis and the Al-Mawasi coastal area, which was previously designated a humanitarian zone. However, this area has frequently been targeted by Israeli airstrikes.
Israel’s Army Radio reported that the 36th Division, which was deployed to the Southern Command last month in preparation for further operations, will be involved in the offensive.
Katz did not specify how much land would be seized, but Israeli forces have already expanded a buffer zone within Gaza, enlarging an area that previously existed around the enclave’s borders and establishing a security corridor through the center of the strip.
Israeli leaders have also indicated plans to encourage the “voluntary” departure of Palestinians from Gaza. The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump suggested permanently evacuating the enclave and redeveloping it as a coastal resort under US control.
Meanwhile, the Hostage Families’ Forum, a group representing the relatives of Israeli captives, expressed outrage at Katz’s statement. The group said families were horrified by the announcement and insisted that Israel must prioritise efforts to secure the captives’ release through negotiations.
The ongoing Israeli military offensive has killed over 50,300 Palestinians, wounded more than 110,000, and devastated the Gaza Strip, forcing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million to flee their homes. Hundreds of thousands remain in makeshift shelters and overcrowded tent camps as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
