In a significant escalation of military operations on Wednesday, Israeli forces have launched a new ground incursion into the central Gaza Strip along the Netzarim corridor, military sources confirmed Wednesday.
The operation involves tanks moving to close Salah al-Din Street—Gaza's main north-south thoroughfare—cutting off movement between Gaza City and the southern regions for the first time since the previous ceasefire.
According toIsrael’s Channel 14, armored units have established positions along key junctions of Salah al-Din Street, effectively bisecting the territory. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported this marks the first such closure since hostilities paused during the earlier temporary truce.
In the hours preceding the incursion, the Israeli Defense Minister delivered a series of stark warnings to Gaza residents, describing the communication as a "final warning."
"You'll have options if you return the hostages and eliminate Hamas," the Defense Minister stated, outlining a clear ultimatum. "Our forces will act in a way you have never known before if the hostages are not released and Hamas is not expelled."
The Defense Minister drew a historical parallel in his address, stating, "The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza, and the second will destroy it completely," referencing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and suggesting devastating consequences should the group maintain control.
Military officials announced that evacuation orders for Gaza residents in combat zones would begin "soon," signaling an imminent expansion of operations. The Defense Ministry has emphasized that civilians should relocate to designated humanitarian zones to avoid being caught in active combat areas.
This latest military action represents a significant shift in the conflict's dynamics following weeks of aerial bombardment and limited ground operations. Military analysts suggest this could indicate a new phase in Israel's strategy to recover hostages and degrade Hamas's operational capabilities.
The situation remains fluid as international diplomats scramble to respond to this latest escalation.
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