Israeli ground forces launched a significant ground operation in the Gaza Strip to create a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza, following wide-scale aerial bombardment by Israel that ended the fragile truce with Hamas. The airstrikes resulted in over 400 casualties. Israel did not return to full-scale war in Gaza, but appeared to be gradually escalating attacks to pressure Hamas into agreeing to more favorable terms for a settlement to free hostages. Hamas vowed not to be forced into accepting demands through destruction and war. Control of the Netzarim Corridor allowed Israel to prevent displaced Palestinians from returning home.
Before the Israeli attack, mediators were trying to broker an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the next steps in the cease-fire. The second phase was supposed to include an end to the war, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and release of remaining hostages in Gaza. Israel wanted Hamas to disband its armed battalions, send leaders in Gaza into exile, and release more hostages. Hamas remained unwilling to comply unless Israel committed to permanently halting its campaign. The first phase elapsed in March, leading to border crossings being closed and electricity being cut off to a desalination plant in central Gaza. The Israeli surprise attack effectively shattered what remained of the fragile cease-fire.
The Israeli military was slowly escalating its actions given the timing during Ramadan and hopes for an agreement to release more hostages. Israel’s military actions appeared unlikely to influence Hamas’s military leaders in Gaza holding the hostages. Meanwhile, the United Nations reported that one of its officers was killed and others seriously injured in strikes on compounds in central Gaza where they were staying. The Israeli military denied involvement in the strikes, and U.N. officials called for the absolute inviolability of U.N. premises. It was unclear how many Israeli soldiers were deployed along the Netzarim Corridor or whether this marked the beginning of a sustained ground offensive.
Israeli defense minister threatened that Israel could order Palestinians to flee parts of Gaza that had become combat zones if Hamas did not capitulate. Israeli leaders were increasing pressure on Hamas to achieve a settlement in the cease-fire talks. The Netzarim Corridor allowed the Israeli military to control the movement of displaced Palestinians in the enclave. Palestinians had returned home after the cease-fire but found much of their homes in ruins. After the cease-fire went into effect, Israel gradually withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor, but remained deployed within Gaza and along the border with Egypt.
Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza targeted Hamas sites and operatives, but the pace of the bombing slowed following the initial intense assault. Israeli fighter jets continued striking Gaza on Wednesday, and Israel was still hoping to reach an agreement to release more hostages. Israeli leaders were prepared to ramp up military pressure on Hamas if necessary. The U.N. condemned the strikes on its compounds in Gaza, with a spokesperson emphasizing the inviolability of U.N. premises. The situation remained tense as Israel and Hamas continued to engage in conflict in the Gaza Strip, with the potential for further escalation and violence.
