By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-04-02 07:41:44 | Updated at 2025-04-03 08:36:43
1 day ago
Israel announced a major expansion of military operations in Gaza on Wednesday, saying large areas of the enclave would be seized and added to its security zones, accompanied by large-scale evacuation of population.
Israeli leaders have been encouraged by signs of protest in Gaza against Hamas, the militant group which has controlled the enclave since 2007 and the expanded operation appeared at least partly aimed at increasing civilian pressure on its leaders.
In a statement, Defence Minister Israel Katz said the evacuation would take place from areas where there was fighting, while urging Gazans to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages as the only way to end the war.
The Israeli military had already issued evacuation warnings to Gazans living around the southern city of Rafah and towards the city of Khan Younis, telling them to move to the al-Mawasi area on the shore, previously designated a humanitarian zone.
Israel’s Army Radio said the 36th division, sent to the Southern Command area last month to prepare for operations in Gaza, would take part in the operation.
