Israeli Army Expands Gaza Operation to Rafah
israel Resumes Ground Offensive in Gaza amidst Ceasefire collapse
Table of Contents
- israel Resumes Ground Offensive in Gaza amidst Ceasefire collapse
- Israel Resumes Ground Offensive in Gaza: Key Questions Answered
- What is the current situation in Gaza?
- When did the ground offensive begin?
- Were are the main areas of operation?
- What triggered this renewed offensive?
- How has Hamas responded to the renewed offensive?
- What is the impact on civilians?
- What is the current casualty count?
- What is the netzarim Corridor?
Published: 2025-03-20
Renewed Ground Operations in Gaza
The Israeli military has announced the commencement of a ground operation in Shaboura,Rafah,located in southern gaza. This action signals an escalation in the ongoing conflict. Concurrently,the military reported expanding it’s operations in southern Gaza while maintaining activities in northern and central areas.
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According to an army statement, “Over the past few hours, IDF (army) troops began conducting ground activity in the area of Shabura in Rafah. As part of the activity, the troops dismantled…terrorist infrastructure.” The statement further noted that “simultaneously, IDF troops are continuing ground activity in northern and central Gaza”.
This renewed offensive follows reports from Gaza’s health ministry indicating that at least 91 Palestinians have been killed, with dozens more wounded, in airstrikes across the region after Israel resumed bombing and ground operations.
Collapse of Ceasefire and Resulting Displacement
After two months of relative calm,the Palestinians in gaza are once again facing displacement as Israel effectively abandoned a ceasefire. this has led to a renewed air and ground campaign against Hamas, the dominant palestinian militant group in Gaza.
Israeli aircraft have been distributing leaflets over residential areas, instructing residents to evacuate Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in the north, the Shejaia district in Gaza City, and towns on the eastern outskirts of Khan Younis in the south.
Samed Sami, a 29-year-old who fled shejaia, expressed the sentiment of many, saying, “War is back, displacement and death are back, will we survive this round?” He and his family are now living in a tent in a camp on open ground.
A day after deploying tanks into central Gaza, the Israeli military announced the commencement of ground operations in the north of the enclave, specifically along the coastal route in Beit Lahiya.
Hamas Response and Casualties
Hamas, after refraining from retaliation for the initial 48 hours of the renewed Israeli assault, stated that its fighters had launched rockets into israel. The Israeli military confirmed that sirens were activated in the center of the country due to projectiles fired from Gaza.
Palestinian medics reported that Israeli strikes targeted multiple houses in both northern and southern Gaza.
With negotiations failing to extend the ceasefire,the military resumed air assaults on Gaza with an extensive bombing campaign on Tuesday,followed by the deployment of soldiers the next day.
Over 500 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since tuesday
the Israeli military stated that its forces had been engaged in an operation to expand a buffer zone, known as the Netzarim corridor, separating the northern and southern parts of Gaza.
Israel has directed residents to avoid the Salahuddin road, Gaza’s primary north-south route, and instead use the coastal road.
Tuesday’s airstrikes resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths, marking one of the deadliest days in the 17-month conflict.
Further Developments and Reactions
Read more:
‘No one is safe in Gaza’, says UN Special Rapporteur
Taoiseach strongly condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza
This week’s strikes have substantially impacted Hamas, resulting in the deaths of key figures, including the de facto head of the Gaza government, the chief of security services, his aide, and the deputy head of the Hamas-run justice ministry.
Hamas has described the Israeli ground operation and the incursion into the Netzarim corridor as a “new and risky violation” of the ceasefire agreement.
in a statement, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the deal and urged mediators to ”assume their responsibilities”.
Some Israeli officials suggest that a return to full-scale war could be problematic for Israel, citing declining public support and burnout among military reservists.
Protesters are accusing Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political gain and endangering the lives of the remaining hostages.
the initial phase of the ceasefire concluded at the beginning of this month.
Hamas seeks to transition to a second phase, wich would involve negotiations for an end to the war and the withdrawal of israeli troops from Gaza, along with an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Israel has only offered a temporary extension of the truce, cut off all supplies to Gaza, and declared the resumption of its military campaign to compel Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Civilian Impact and Testimonies
Israeli troops reported opening fire on Palestinians in cars
the ceasefire had allowed Huda Junaid, her husband, and family to return to their destroyed home. Now, they are forced to flee again, packing their belongings into a donkey cart and seeking shelter near a school.
Junaid expressed the desperation of many, stating, “We don’t want war, we don’t want death. Enough, we are fed up. There are no longer children in Gaza, all of our children are dead, all of our relatives are dead.”
Some Palestinians reported that cars using the Salahuddin road came under fire from Israeli troops advancing towards Netzarim. The fate of those in the vehicles remains unknown.
One taxi driver recounted, “Bulldozers protected by some tanks were heading to the west coming from the areas where they are stationed near the fence east of the Salahuddin road,” asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals.
A Hamas official indicated that mediators have intensified efforts with both sides, but no breakthrough has been achieved.
Some residents have observed no immediate signs of Hamas preparing to resume fighting.
However,an official from a militant group allied with Hamas stated that fighters,including those from Hamas,have been placed on alert awaiting further instructions and have been told to cease using mobile phones.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict began after Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities near the Gaza border in October 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
Gaza’s health authorities report that more than 49,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing conflict, with much of the region reduced to rubble.
Israel Resumes Ground Offensive in Gaza: Key Questions Answered
Stay informed with this Q&A on the recent escalation in the israel-Gaza conflict.
What is the current situation in Gaza?
The Israeli military has resumed ground operations in Gaza, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Ground operations are underway in multiple areas, including Shaboura in Rafah, and in northern and central Gaza. This follows the collapse of a ceasefire and a renewed air and ground campaign against Hamas.
When did the ground offensive begin?
The ground offensive began with operations announced on March 20,2025,expanding in the Shaboura area of Rafah.
Were are the main areas of operation?
- Shaboura, Rafah: Ground operations focused on dismantling “terrorist infrastructure”
- Northern and Central Gaza: Ongoing ground activity reported.
What triggered this renewed offensive?
The renewed offensive was triggered by the collapse of a previous ceasefire that lasted for two months, leading to the resumption of military actions by Israel.
How has Hamas responded to the renewed offensive?
Hamas initially refrained from retaliation for 48 hours but later launched rockets into Israel. The Israeli military confirmed that sirens were activated in central Israel due to projectiles fired from Gaza.
What is the impact on civilians?
The civilian impact is devastating. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in many casualties. Civilians are being displaced, with families fleeing thier homes and seeking shelter. israeli aircraft have dropped leaflets instructing residents to evacuate specific areas, which is causing widespread displacement.
What is the current casualty count?
Since the renewed operations began, 91 Palestinian deaths have been reported, with dozens more wounded. Tuesday’s airstrikes alone resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths.
What is the netzarim Corridor?
The Netzarim Corridor is a buffer zone that separates the northern and southern parts of Gaza.The Israeli military is expanding its operations within this corridor.