Defence Minister Declares Expansion of Security Zones as Airstrikes Continue
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has declared plans to take control of significant areas in the Gaza Strip, as military operations intensify across the territory.
In a statement on Wednesday, Katz announced that Israeli forces would clear targeted regions of militant activity and infrastructure, incorporating newly seized land into Israel’s security zones. He also urged Palestinian civilians to evacuate combat zones, calling for the removal of Hamas and the release of Israeli hostages.
The announcement came after a night of heavy airstrikes on Khan Younis and Rafah, where hospital officials reported at least 21 fatalities, including women and children. Reports on Wednesday morning indicated additional strikes on Gaza City, alongside increased Israeli troop movements in Rafah.
The Israeli military recently issued evacuation orders for large sections of Rafah and surrounding areas, directing displaced civilians to al-Mawasi, a coastal zone designated as a humanitarian area despite having been bombed multiple times.
While Katz did not specify the extent of the planned land seizure, the Israeli rights group Gisha estimates that since October 2023, the military has taken control of 62 square kilometres of Gaza—around 17% of the enclave.
Fighting escalated sharply on 18 March when Israel resumed intense bombardments and redeployed ground troops, abruptly ending a fragile ceasefire. The truce had facilitated the exchange of hostages and prisoners, but talks to extend the deal were repeatedly delayed.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with the UN estimating that over 140,000 people have been displaced since the ceasefire’s collapse. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been forced to flee at least once during the war. In addition to military strikes, Israel has cut off humanitarian aid, food, and fuel supplies, exacerbating the crisis.
International mediation efforts led by Qatar and Egypt have so far failed to restore negotiations. Meanwhile, protests in Israel demanding action from the government have intensified, as families of hostages call for urgent intervention.
The conflict began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking 250 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza that has since claimed at least 50,357 lives, according to local health authorities.
