by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israel announced Wednesday it has sent troops back into Gaza with a “focused ground operation,” in central and southern Gaza over the past 24 hours, aiming to broaden security zones and create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reaffirmed its commitment to “neutralizing threats in Gaza” as part of “Operation Strength and Sword,” a campaign of extensive strikes announced early Tuesday.
“Over the past 24 hours, IDF forces have begun a focused ground operation in the center of the Gaza Strip and in the south with the aim of expanding the security area and creating a partial buffer between the north and south of the Strip,” the IDF wrote in a post on X.
The military stated that as part of the operation, the IDF “regained control of key areas along the Netzarim Corridor.” Israeli tanks also advanced into the Netzarim Corridor in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon, according to various media reports.
This military activity in the Gaza Strip is the most significant since the ceasefire agreement began on January 19.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sternly warned Gaza’s residents, stating, “This is your final warning.”
“The Air Force strikes on Hamas terrorists was only the first step,” Katz declared. “What comes next will be far worse, and you will pay the full price.” He also indicated that a renewed civilian evacuation from combat zones would commence soon.
Katz issued a further warning: “If all Israeli hostages are not released and Hamas is not removed from Gaza, Israel will act with unprecedented force.” He advised, “Take the advice of the U.S. president—release the hostages and expel Hamas, and other options will open, including relocation for those who choose it. The alternative is total destruction.”
The IDF also stated that during the night, Israel Navy forces targeted several vessels off the coast of Gaza that were being used for terrorist activities by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Following Hamas’s rejection of a U.S. proposal to extend a ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages, nearly three in five Israelis support resuming military actions in the Gaza Strip.
A survey by the Direct Polls Institute, published by Channel 14 on the eve of new extensive airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces, shows that 59% of Israelis favor continuing military operations.
According to the latest assessments by the Israeli government, 59 captives remain under the control of Palestinian terrorists in Gaza, with 24 of them believed to still be alive.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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