Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that the military is intensifying its operations in Gaza by "dissecting" the territory and seizing land to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. His statement came as airstrikes continued across Gaza, with at least 34 people reported killed, including nine children, in an attack that targeted a UN building. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is methodically increasing its military pressure to force Hamas to comply, stating that the military is not only capturing land but also targeting militants and destroying their infrastructure. 

As part of the ongoing offensive, Israeli forces have taken control of the so-called "Morag Axis," a strip of land expected to divide southern Gaza between Khan Yunis and Rafah. The name originates from a former Israeli settlement that was abandoned when Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced Netanyahu's stance, stating that Israel plans to expand its military presence to eliminate Hamas fighters and establish new security zones. However, he did not specify how much land would be taken under Israeli control. 

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned a deadly Israeli airstrike that hit a UN-run clinic in Jabalia refugee camp, killing 19 people, including children. The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas operatives using the building as a command and control center. The strike is the latest in a series of attacks on UN facilities, which Israel argues are being used by Hamas for military purposes—an accusation the Palestinian group denies. Meanwhile, Gaza's health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes also killed at least 15 people in Khan Yunis and Nuseirat refugee camp. 

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with hunger spreading as bakeries shut down due to shortages of essential supplies. Since March 2, Israel has blocked the entry of flour and sugar, leaving residents struggling to find food. A Gaza City resident, Amina Al-Sayed, described the dire conditions, stating that she had spent hours searching for bread, only to find that every bakery had closed. The worsening crisis has raised alarm among international organizations, which have repeatedly called for humanitarian access to be restored. 

Amid the escalating conflict, Netanyahu reportedly offered Hamas leaders a safe exit from Gaza if they agreed to lay down their arms. While Hamas has expressed a willingness to cede political control of Gaza, it refuses to disarm, calling it a "red line." International mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, are actively working to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. Talks remain ongoing, with Hamas reportedly approving a new ceasefire proposal, while Israel has submitted a counteroffer, though details remain undisclosed. 

In a move that further heightened tensions, Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. The visit drew condemnation from Hamas, as well as Jordan, Qatar, and other regional governments. Ben Gvir has frequently challenged the long-standing convention that allows Jews to visit but not pray at the site, fueling Palestinian fears about Israeli intentions regarding the status of the holy site. His actions come at a time when violence and political tensions across the region are already at critical levels.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595702/middle-east