Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday a significant expansion of Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip, stating that the campaign will intensify with the goal of seizing broader areas of the territory and establishing new Israeli security zones.

As part of the expanded operation, Israeli forces plan large-scale evacuations of civilians from targeted zones. Gallant called on the people of Gaza to turn against Hamas and demanded the release of all Israeli hostages, asserting that this is the only way to bring the war to an end.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed frustration with the announcement, urging the Israeli government to prioritize the safe return of all captives. The military escalation follows renewed airstrikes and ground assaults in Gaza, which have resulted in hundreds of Palestinian casualties and further disruption to the already limited flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Egypt continue to face major obstacles, as the conflict expands beyond Gaza, with tensions escalating in southern Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied West Bank.