Good morning. On Tuesday, Israeli defense minister, Israel Katz, announced a major expansion of attacks on Gaza and the “capture of large areas that will be added to the security zones of the state of Israel”.

This expansion comes after a series of night airstrikes on Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza, which officials reported had killed at least 21 people, including a pregnant woman. The intensification of Israel’s operation follows more than two weeks of airstrikes and ground operations that have, according to Gaza’s health ministry, killed over 900 people.

Earlier in the week, 15 bodies of Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers, killed by Israeli forces and buried in a mass grave, were uncovered. According to eyewitnesses, some victims were found with their hands or legs bound and evidences of gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

In today’s newsletter, we are joined by Jason Burke, The Guardian’s international security correspondent, discussing Katz’s announcements and what they might mean for Gaza’s future.

Five big stories

1. UK economy | Donald Trump has hit the UK with tariffs of 10% on exports to the US, as he ignites a global trade war. Other tariffs include 20% on the EU and 34% on China.

2. Immigration | An investigation has been launched after a racist message was reportedly blasted out on portable radios used by Home Office contractors at an asylum processing center in Kent.

3. Health | Doctors have reported a rise in Victorian diseases, as the Royal College of Physicians urges the government to do more to fight poverty.

4. UK news | A third former South Yorkshire police officer has been arrested as part of an investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.

5. Education | The fate of boys, according to education secretary Bridget Phillipson, is “a defining issue of our time,” as she calls for more men to become teachers to combat “toxic” behaviors.

In depth: Authorities who imagine they can eradicate Hamas through force are wrong

Following Israeli defense minister Israel Katz’s announcement of a major expansion of attacks on Gaza and the “capture of large areas that will be added to the security zones of the state of Israel”, some believe this may be the beginning of a broader, long-term ideological project of the Israeli right.

Any seizure of land could potentially be part of a broader project to re-occupy Gaza, re-establish settlements, and displace the Palestinian population. Legal experts are clear that any emigration in current circumstances from Gaza would be unlawful and constitutes ethnic cleansing.

Negotiations are ongoing but there is a massive gap between Hamas and Israel, with Hamas wanting the previous ceasefire deal upheld, and Israel offering a temporary break. Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza and cut off remaining electricity supplies, forcing the closure of a water desalination plant and depriving more than 600,000 people of clean water.