Israel announces expansion of military operation in Gaza

The Israeli military will soon expand its area of operations in the Gaza Strip, prompting local residents to evacuate, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced.

Katz stated in a video address to Gaza residents, which was posted on the social media platform X, that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would increase its operations in additional regions of Gaza, Caliber.Az reports via international media.

“The Israel Defense Forces will soon operate with full force in additional areas of Gaza, and you will be required to evacuate from the combat zones for your safety. Plans have already been prepared and approved,” Katz said.

According to Katz, Hamas militants are using Gaza’s population as human shields, which has forced Israel to take greater control of more areas within the Gaza Strip.

“Hamas creates a threat to your lives, forcing you to lose your homes and more and more territories, which will be integrated into Israel’s defensive lines,” Katz added.

Katz placed the blame for the ongoing violence squarely on the shoulders of Hamas leaders, particularly the movement’s former leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in combat with Israeli forces in October 2024, and his brother Mohammad Sinwar, who now leads Hamas in Gaza.

“The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza, and the second Sinwar is ready to burn half of Gaza with his own hands, just to maintain his corrupt rule along with his fellow murderers and rapists from Hamas. They sit in safety with their families in tunnels or luxurious hotels with billions in foreign bank accounts, while you are used as hostages,” Katz accused.

The Israeli minister also urged Gaza’s residents to rebel against Hamas and overthrow their rule, citing recent protests in Beit Lahia, where, according to Israeli sources, residents have begun demonstrating against the radical movement.

“Learn from the people of Beit Lahia. Just as they did, demand the expulsion of Hamas from Gaza and the immediate release of all Israeli hostages — this is the only way to stop the war,” Katz concluded.