The IDF has announced an expansion of its ground operations in the southern Gazan region, specifically targeting Rafah in a bid to create a larger security buffer around the borders.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Israeli military has confirmed an escalation in its ground operations in southern Gaza on Saturday.
Troops have advanced into Rafah’s al-Jenine neighborhood to establish a broader buffer zone for security.
The IDF stated that its forces are actively dismantling Hamas infrastructure and targeting sites throughout Gaza. They posted on X that they have destroyed multiple Hamas targets, including weapon caches, rocket launchers, and military outposts.
They also noted that these operations have resulted in the deaths of several Hamas fighters and associates.
Ceasefire efforts for Gaza continue
On Friday, Hamas accepted a new ceasefire proposal put forth by mediators Qatar and Egypt. Meanwhile, Israel communicated a counter-proposal in coordination with the United States.
Egypt had previously proposed a plan to revive the faltering ceasefire following Israel’s unexpected restart of hostilities. The specifics of the proposal, including the exchange of hostages for aid and prisoner releases, were not immediately clear.
Israel began its renewed campaign in Gaza nearly two weeks ago after ending its ceasefire with Hamas with a series of air strikes.
Netanyahu remains committed to the escalation of violence until Hamas returns the 59 hostages it holds, with 24 believed to be alive. Israel seeks Hamas to disarm, relinquish power, and exile its leadership.
In response, Hamas demands the release of Palestinian prisoners, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a lasting ceasefire.
The fighting in Gaza has caused over 50,000 deaths, according to Hamas-run authorities. They have not distinguished civilian and combatant deaths, but a UN study found that nearly 70% of deaths were women and children.
Hezbollah warns of retaliation if Israel intensifies attacks
The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Naim Kassem, stated that Hezbollah may take action if Israel’s hostilities escalate and the Lebanese state does not intervene.
This follows an Israeli strike on Beirut, the first since the end of the last conflict in November. No immediate comment came from Israeli authorities after two rockets were fired toward Israel, which Hezbollah denied responsibility for.
ADVERTISEMENT
Under the ceasefire that concluded the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict in November, Israeli forces were required to withdraw from Lebanese territory by late January, and Hezbollah was to cease its presence south of the Litani River. Despite extending this deadline to February 18, Israel maintains a presence in five border locations and conducts strikes on suspected Hezbollah sites.
Kassem claimed that Hezbollah has complied but accused Israel of continuous aggression.
In the recent strikes, six people were killed, and on Friday, an airstrike in a southern village resulted in three deaths and 18 injuries, mostly among women and children.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kassem voiced that Hezbollah’s patience is aimed at pursuing solutions that reduce suffering and casualties.
