IDF targets Hamas infrastructure in major expansion of Gaza ground offensive

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has significantly expanded its ground operations in the northern Gaza Strip. On the early morning of April 4, IDF forces initiated active operations in the Shuja'iyya area, located east of Gaza City.

According to a statement from the IDF press service, the military successfully targeted and eliminated a number of militants while also destroying key infrastructure used by Hamas, Caliber.Az reports.

The operation's highlights included the destruction of a Hamas command and control complex, which was vital for planning and directing operations. The Israeli military's efforts are part of an ongoing strategy to apply significant pressure on Hamas, particularly after its rejection of ceasefire negotiations.

This development follows an announcement by Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, on April 2, where he detailed an expansion of the Israeli ground offensive. Katz confirmed that Israeli forces would seize substantial areas of Gaza, incorporating them into designated "security" zones. However, specifics regarding the exact areas to be seized were not disclosed.

The military escalation has already led to the 33-day blockade on Gaza, severely impacting daily life, including the closure of bakeries. The Israeli government’s stance remains firm: it will continue its operations to clear Gaza of Hamas operatives and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for the release of 59 Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners has added complexity to the situation, though he has not committed to a ceasefire or a resolution of the conflict. According to Gaza's health ministry, as the bombardment continues, over 1,000 Palestinian lives have been lost, with women and children comprising a significant portion of the casualties since March 18.

By Tamilla Hasanova