Israel launches ground operation in Rafah to expand buffer zone
Photo: Israel launches ground operation in Rafah (Getty Images)
Israel has expanded its ground operation in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) have advanced to the al-Jneina neighborhood in Rafah, The Times of Israel reports.
Israeli military officials stated that in the last few hours, they have extended their ground assault in the southern Gaza Strip.
According to the media resource, the IDF confirmed that their troops have advanced toward the al-Jneina neighborhood in Rafah as part of efforts to expand the buffer zone along Gaza's borders.
The IDF further stated that during the operation, they destroyed Hamas infrastructure in the area. Throughout the weekend, dozens of airstrikes were carried out against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad infrastructure.
The targets included weapon depots, rocket launchers, and buildings used by the terrorist groups, according to the IDF.
Military officials added that as a result of these strikes, several terrorists were killed, including those responsible for mortar fire targeting Israel.
Violation of ceasefire
Recently, active hostilities between Israel and Hamas resumed. The reason for this escalation was Hamas' refusal to release hostages to Israel.
Amid this, Israeli forces launched a series of strikes on militant targets in the Gaza Strip.
For more details on why Hamas is delaying the hostage release process, read our material on the topic.
Furthermore, last week, Israel announced that it was considering the possibility of a large-scale ground operation in Gaza, which could involve military occupation for several months.
