Israel Resumes Ground Operations in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Breakdown
On Wednesday, the Israeli army initiated a new ground operation in the Gaza Strip. In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the army announced that its troops are advancing towards the central and southern regions of the Strip with the objective of establishing a partial buffer zone between the northern and southern areas. To accomplish this, Israeli forces are reasserting control over the Netzarim corridor, a crucial area that separates the northern Gaza Strip from the rest of the territory.
The Israeli army had maintained control over the corridor for several months but withdrew on February 9, 2023, in accordance with a ceasefire agreement. However, this latest operation signifies the effective termination of the ceasefire with Hamas, which had been instituted on January 19, 2023. Israel's breach of the ceasefire occurred last Tuesday when it conducted heavy bombardments across various regions of the Strip, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties.
Before Israel's withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, the area had allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the northern Strip. Many of these individuals were displaced during earlier stages of the conflict due to persistent Israeli attacks and evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military.
The Israeli government considers the Netzarim corridor vital for its strategic territorial control over the Gaza Strip, aiming to hinder movement between the northern and southern parts of the territory for both civilians and Hamas militants. The reoccupation of this corridor reflects a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region, as escalating military operations continue to result in severe casualties and displacement among the Palestinian population.
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