Israeli forces have escalated their military offensive in Gaza, aiming to take control of 25% of the territory. This includes establishing a one-kilometer-wide "buffer zone" along the border. The intensified ground assault has resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people, adding to the growing toll of casualties in the conflict. 

The military operation, which began on October 7, 2023, has involved widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure. Israel justifies the actions as necessary to eliminate security threats, according to Al Jazeera. However, Palestinians and analysts argue that the offensive is part of a larger strategy to force the displacement of Gaza's population into Egypt. Reports suggest that this strategy was supported by the U.S. under the Trump administration. 

In recent weeks, the Israeli military has concentrated its attacks on Rafah, eastern Khan Younis, and central Gaza. Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee to the already overcrowded al-Mawasi area, a 14km coastal strip that has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli airstrikes. A recent airstrike in Rafah killed at least 15 people, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence, further overwhelming morgues at Nasser and European Hospitals. 

Hamas has warned that Gaza has entered a "famine phase," blaming Israel's blockade since March 2 for the severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine. The United Nations has dismissed Israel's claims that Gaza has sufficient food supplies, calling them "ridiculous." It also highlighted that all 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Programme have ceased operations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. 

Meanwhile, tensions have also flared in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces injured a Palestinian in Tulkarem during a military raid. The raid is part of a 66-day-long offensive that has included mass arrests in Dhahra and the forced displacement of residents from the Jabal al-Salihin area in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Since Israel's siege on Tulkarem began in late January, at least 13 Palestinians have been killed. 

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that the expanded military action is meant to "increase pressure on Hamas and Gaza's population" in an effort to secure the release of hostages and dismantle Hamas. He called on Gaza's residents to remove Hamas as the only path to ending the war. However, critics argue that U.S. support has emboldened Israel's far-right government, allowing it to act without consequences and intensify what analysts describe as a campaign of "depopulation."

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/04/02/more-20-persons-killed-israel-expands-ground-offensives-gaza