IDF opens broad ground offensive in Rafah, aims to ‘seize large areas for Israeli security zones’

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a large-scale ground offensive overnight in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday morning.

“'Operation Strength and Sword’ in Gaza is expanding to crush, clear the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure, and to seize large territories that will be incorporated into Israel’s security zones,” Katz stated.

“I call on the residents of Gaza to act now to remove Hamas and return all the hostages. This is the only way to end the war. I wish success to the IDF soldiers fighting bravely and powerfully in Gaza to bring back the hostages and defeat Hamas.”

The operation will see “extensive evacuation of Gaza’s population from the combat zones,” the Israeli defense minister added, explaining that captured areas would be used “for the protection of the fighting forces and the settlements.”

A security source told Channel 12 that increased Israeli control over territory would likely erode Hamas’ support among the Gazan population and “force it to move faster toward a deal.”

#عاجل سكان غزة المتواجدين في مناطق رفح، بلديات النصر والشوكة والمناطق الاقليمية الشرقية والغربية وأحياء السلام، المنارة وقيزان النجار - نكرر إنذاراتنا وتحذيراتنا العاجلة - انتبهوا!

⭕️لا تترددوا! لا تنصاعوا إلى محاولات حماس منعكم من الاخلاء لتبقوا دروعها البشرية. اخلوا المناطق… https://t.co/kaPh5Klu8r pic.twitter.com/tsJNjV4Mh9

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) April 1, 2025

The new ground offensive – the largest operation since the fighting between Israel and Hamas resumed in the Gaza Strip about two weeks ago – began after the IDF twice urged residents of Rafah to evacuate the area.

According to Palestinian reports, 17 people were killed during airstrikes in Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah, as well as in Rafah and parts of Khan Younis, where Israeli troops advanced.

Israeli media reported that the operation is being led by the 36th Division, including the Golani Brigade, which was ordered to move south after being deployed on the northern border for over a year.

The new offensive was criticized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which accused Katz of “sacrificing” the hostages for territorial gain.

“Instead of releasing the hostages in an agreement and ending the war, the Israeli government is sending more troops into Gaza, to fight in the same places where they fought time and time again,” the Forum charged.

However, Katz received support from the Israel Envelope Forum, a group representing residents of the Gaza border area and demanding improved security for their homes

“After a prolonged period of shuffling and lack of clarity and in light of the Minister's decision to expand Operation ‘Strength and Sword,’ we support the defense minister, and call on him as residents to lead an effective campaign, which has times, measurable goals, an escalatory ladder and time frame - which will create pressure on Hamas and change reality to achieve the return of the hostages and the complete dismantling of Hamas,” the group stated.

“We support and cherish our soldiers who have been operating in the field for many months. And we demand the political leadership: Do not wear out their strength with trial and error!!”