The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun a new ground operation in northern Gaza. The military announced Thursday that it had started “targeted ground activities” to create what it called a “partial buffer between the north and south” of Gaza. IDF spokesperson Col Avichay Adraee confirmed forces were deployed up to the center of the Netzarim Corridor, which divides northern and southern Gaza, calling the action a “limited ground operation.”
Current Security Environment
Hamas responded to the Israeli operation by launching three rockets at Tel Aviv – the first time the group is known to have fired back since Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza. Israel reported intercepting one rocket while the others fell into uninhabited areas. Meanwhile, the Hamas-run health ministry stated that at least 85 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza since midnight, adding to the more than 500 reported killed since fighting resumed on Tuesday.
Implications for the Region
The renewed hostilities mark a significant escalation after a period of relative calm. There had been a reprieve from large-scale military action since January when a ceasefire began. Israel resumed attacks on Tuesday as talks to extend the ceasefire deal failed to progress, warning that operations would intensify until Hamas released the remaining hostages. Israel claims Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.
The situation has drawn international attention, with the United States expressing support for Israel’s actions. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump “fully supports Israel and the IDF in the actions that they’ve taken in recent days.” Meanwhile, the UN reported that five staff members of its Palestinian refugee agency were among those killed in recent days, with its chief Philippe Lazzarini warning that “the worst is yet to come.”
The war, which began following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in more than 48,500 Palestinian casualties according to Gaza’s health ministry, as well as extensive destruction to homes and infrastructure throughout the territory.