Gaza Strip, April 2 (H.S.): This morning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) entered southern Gaza following extensive bombings overnight that killed at least 17 individuals. Key Hamas locations were targeted and destroyed.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced an expansion of the ground offensive in the region, indicating plans to establish control over a significant area of the Gaza Strip and eliminate Hamas supporters.
Additional IDF divisions have been deployed, and heavy assaults were reported in Rafah and Khan Younis. Israeli troops were seen advancing in Rafah after issuing evacuation warnings for areas between Rafah and Khan Younis.
Katz emphasized the military's commitment to dismantling Hamas and its infrastructure. In the wake of renewed military operations, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that the latest airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Since hostilities resumed, the Hamas-controlled health ministry stated that over 1,000 people have died.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered conditional permission for Hamas leaders to exit Gaza, contingent upon the release of hostages without violence. Efforts for a ceasefire and hostages' release are being pursued by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States amid ongoing conflict.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
