Israel Plans to Expand Military Operations in Gaza Amid Evacuations and Ongoing Conflict

In a significant escalation of military action, Israel declared on Saturday that it will extend its offensive in Gaza, especially following the establishment of a new operational corridor. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have advised tens of thousands of residents in Khan Yunis and its surrounding regions to leave their homes, coinciding with airstrikes in response to projectiles launched from the area.

Israel Katz, the Defense Minister, indicated that the military operations would intensify, affecting other parts of Gaza as well. He explained that the IDF has now secured the Morag axis, which traverses Gaza from Rafah to Khan Yunis, creating an Israeli security zone stretching between the Philadelphi Route, which borders Egypt, and Morag. Katz urged the population to evacuate conflict zones and emphasized that the military's goal is to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages as a pathway to ending the ongoing conflict.

In the wake of these developments, a representative from Hamas mentioned to AFP that the organization anticipates substantive advancements toward a ceasefire agreement. The statement came as talks were scheduled to take place in Cairo with Egyptian mediators, suggesting a complex balance between military actions and diplomatic efforts to cease the fighting.