Israel’s military operation in Gaza Strip expanding to seize ‘large areas’, defence minister says

Jerusalem, Apr 2: Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip is expanding to seize “large areas,” the defence minister said Wednesday.

Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian territory was “expanding to crush and clean the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure and seizing large areas that will be added to the security zones of the State of Israel,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a written statement.

Israel’s security perimeter, which runs along the border with Israel in northern and eastern Gaza, has been a crucial part of the country’s defence for decades, used as a way to protect its citizens living near the territory.

Katz didn’t specify which areas of Gaza would be seized in the expanded operation, which includes the “extensive evacuation” of the population from fighting areas.

The minister called on Gaza residents to “expel Hamas and return all hostages.” The militant group still holds 59 captives, of whom 24 are believed to still be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

“This is the only way to end the war,” Katz said.

The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.

Israel’s offensive has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, including hundreds killed in strikes since a ceasefire ended about two weeks ago, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t say whether those killed are civilians or combatants. Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. (AP)

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Over 100 firefighters battle large wildfire on eastern Greek island of Chios

Athens, Jun 23: More than 100 firefighters assisted by...

Trump’s go-it-alone strategy on Iran risks dividing already split Congress

Washington, Jun 23: President Donald Trump's decision to launch...

Americans react to US strikes on Iran with worry as well as support for Israel

Billings (US), Jun 23: One of Layton Tallwhiteman's earliest...

66,000 ST students to get Central scholarship

Shilling, June 22: The state Education department has released...

Flight from Iran Another carrying 311 Indians lands in Delhi

New Delhi, June 22: India on Sunday evacuated more...

PM Modi calls for de-escalation of conflict

New Delhi, June 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img