On the move again: Palestinian family leaving Khan Younis 

Agencies JERUSALEM

Israel announced a major expansion of military operations in Gaza on Wednesday, saying large areas of the enclave would be seized and added to its security zones, accompanied by large-scale evacuations of the population.

In a statement, Defence Minister Israel Katz said evacuations would take place from areas where there was fighting, while urging Gazans to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages as the only way to end the war. He said the operation would clear out militants and infrastructure "and seize large areas that will be added to the security zones of the State of Israel".

Israel announced a significant expansion of military operations in Gaza, involving the seizure of large areas for security zones and widespread evacuations. Defence Minister Israel Katz urged Gazans to eliminate Hamas and secure the return of hostages, stating this was the sole path to ending the conflict. Evacuation orders targeted residents near Rafah and Khan Younis, directing them to Al-Mawasi.

The Israeli military’s 36th division was deployed, coinciding with intensified overnight strikes, said Israel’s Army Radio. Palestinian civil defence reported recovering bodies in Khan Younis, while Rafah’s vicinity was described as nearly deserted following evacuation.

Katz did not specify the extent of land seizure or if it constituted permanent annexation, raising concerns about further pressure on Gaza’s already densely populated environment, one of the most crowded in the world. According to Gisha, Israel has already controlled approximately 62 sq km of Gaza, including vital infrastructure and agricultural land.  

Seizing the buffer zone, which contains infrastructure including wells, sewage pumping stations, and wastewater treatment facilities as well as a significant part of Gaza's agricultural land, would also increase pressure on the enclave's ability to sustain itself.

At the same time, Israeli leaders have said they plan to facilitate voluntary departure of Palestinians amid past suggestions of a US-backed redevelopment plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated demands for Hamas’ disarmament, emphasizing military pressure to secure hostage release.

Israeli officials noted signs of Gazan protests against Hamas, suggesting the operation aimed to amplify civilian pressure. "I call on the residents of Gaza to act now to eliminate Hamas and return all the kidnapped," Katz stated, asserting the operation would dismantle the militant infrastructure.