Twelve people were killed in a nighttime airstrike on a home in Khan Younis. REUTERS
Israel's prime minister announced an expansion of military operations in Gaza, aiming to put more pressure on Hamas. Deadly airstrikes were reported throughout the Palestinian territory.
Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israeli forces were taking control of the "Morag Corridor," a path between Rafah and Khan Younis. He claimed this move would weaken Hamas and force the group to release hostages. His defense minister also said large areas would be taken to create "security zones."
Heavy Casualties Reported
Hospitals reported many deaths due to airstrikes. In Jabalia, an attack on a UN-run shelter killed 19 Palestinians, including nine children. The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas fighters. Another strike in Khan Younis killed 12 people, including women and children. Locals described the situation as unbearable.
Bombardments also hit areas near the Egyptian border. Reports confirmed extensive destruction. The Civil Defence agency stated that Israel bombed two rooms in a UN clinic-turned-shelter. Verified videos showed people rushing to help the wounded. Smoke and debris covered the site.
Unrwa Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said over 700 people were inside when the building was hit. He condemned the attack, saying international law was being ignored. The Israeli military responded by saying Hamas was using the building for terrorist activities. Hamas denied the claim.
Growing Pressure on Hamas
Netanyahu insisted that Israel would continue its campaign until Hamas released the remaining 59 hostages. "The pressure will increase until they do," he said. Defense Minister Israel Katz supported the strategy, saying the operation was necessary for security. He also urged Gazans to remove Hamas.
Meanwhile, families of the hostages reacted with shock. A support group for hostage families urged the Israeli government to prioritize securing their release.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. More than 140,000 people in Rafah were ordered to evacuate this week. Many are struggling to find food, water, and medical care. Israel has blocked aid since March 2, the longest blockade since the war began.
Israel has expanded a buffer zone around Gaza and now controls the Netzarim Corridor, which splits the strip in two. The renewed offensive started on March 18 after ceasefire talks collapsed. Israel accused Hamas of rejecting a US-backed truce, while Hamas blamed Israel for breaking an earlier deal.
The war started after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 50,423 people have been killed, including 1,066 in the past two weeks alone.
