Israel Launches New Ground Offensive in Northern Gaza Amid Rising Civilian Toll
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) –
The Israeli military announced on Friday the launch of a renewed ground operation in northern Gaza, signaling an escalation in its campaign to create what it describes as a “security buffer zone” within Palestinian territory.
According to local civil defense authorities in Gaza, at least 30 people were killed since dawn Friday, as Israeli forces expanded their incursion into Gaza City and its surrounding areas. The operation comes amid a broader resumption of military activity across the besieged enclave following a brief ceasefire earlier this year.
Israeli officials have framed the renewed offensive as part of efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages still held since the outbreak of the 2023 war.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the latest operation aims to “clear terrorist infrastructure” and extend Israeli control over designated parts of Gaza, which the government has indicated could eventually be integrated into a permanent security zone.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking earlier this week, said the goal of the operation is to “destroy the terrorist network and prevent future threats” emanating from the densely populated coastal strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this view, emphasizing that Israeli forces are “fragmenting Gaza” and seizing control of key areas to intensify pressure on Hamas.
In a parallel escalation, Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on Thursday night, killing three people, including two fighters reportedly affiliated with Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
This cross-border strike underscores growing concerns of a widening conflict that could draw in Lebanese Hezbollah or other regional actors.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas, reported that more than 1,160 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since fighting resumed on March 18. The total death toll since the war began in October 2023 now stands at over 50,500, according to the same source.
The current phase of the conflict began after indirect negotiations on a phased ceasefire and hostage release faltered in mid-March. A fragile truce brokered in January collapsed under mutual accusations of non-compliance, reigniting a cycle of bombardments and ground incursions.
Despite international appeals for restraint, efforts to reinitiate peace talks remain stalled. UN agencies have warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to food, clean water, and medical aid has been severely curtailed by ongoing hostilities and blockade conditions.
The renewed ground campaign in Gaza, combined with Israeli operations in Lebanon and heightened tensions along the northern border, points to a regional security environment under increasing strain.
Analysts suggest the Israeli government’s strategy may be aimed at consolidating military leverage before any potential return to the negotiating table. However, the prolonged conflict risks triggering broader instability, particularly if cross-border hostilities intensify.
The international community remains divided on how to approach the crisis. While Western powers, including the U.S., have reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense, humanitarian organizations and regional actors have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed diplomatic engagement.
With no clear political resolution in sight and civilian casualties mounting, the latest Israeli offensive adds a new and dangerous dimension to the longstanding conflict in Gaza.
The evolving situation also poses broader implications for security across the Middle East, as tensions ripple into neighboring countries and diplomatic channels face increasing strain.
Whether the latest operations succeed in achieving Israeli strategic objectives or further entrench a protracted conflict remains to be seen.