The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday announced a new targeted ground offensive in central and southern Gaza, regaining control of the strategic Netzarim Corridor. The operation follows intense aerial bombardments that reportedly killed over 400 people, effectively ending a two-month-long ceasefire with Hamas.
In a statement, the IDF said its troops “began targeted ground activities in central and southern Gaza, over the past day, in order to expand the security zone and to create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.”
According to the Times of Israel, the 252nd Division advanced into the Netzarim Corridor — a crucial route dividing Gaza’s northern and southern sectors. Troops seized control of approximately half the corridor, reaching the Salah a-Din road. Simultaneously, the elite Golani Brigade was deployed to the southern Gaza border, ready for further operations inside the Strip.
“The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect the citizens of the State of Israel,” the military said in a statement.
Escalation Follows Collapse of Ceasefire
The renewed offensive came after Israel accused Hamas of refusing to release hostages and rejecting mediation proposals. In response, Hamas blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for breaking the truce and jeopardizing hostages through what it called “reckless and unilateral” actions.
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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Gaza’s residents, urging them to heed US President Donald Trump’s advice and oust Hamas. “Residents of Gaza, this is the last warning. Take the advice of the President of the United States. Return the hostages and remove Hamas, and other options will open up for you — including the possibility of leaving for other places in the world for those who want to,” Katz said.
Netanyahu Vows to Continue War Until Hamas is Defeated
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military operations, vowing that the war would continue until Hamas’s governing authority and military infrastructure are completely dismantled.
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The recent escalation, which included deploying additional troops to southern Gaza, raises fears of the conflict spiraling back into full-scale war. The earlier ceasefire had offered a brief period of relief, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and facilitating the release of dozens of hostages held captive for over 15 months.
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