Israel Deploys Tanks in Gaza, Launches Ground Assault: Defense Minister Katz Warns – “Hamas Will Be Completely Eliminated If Hostages Are Not Released”
Israel has once again deployed tanks in Gaza and launched a ground assault. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a ground operation has been initiated in the central and southern regions of the Gaza Strip.
The objective of this operation is to establish a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza and expand Israel’s security perimeter along the border.
Troops from the IDF’s 252nd Division have entered the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern and southern Gaza. The Israeli forces have already taken control of more than half of the area.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a warning, stating that if the hostages are not released, Hamas will be completely eliminated.
Protests Against Netanyahu in Jerusalem; 12 Arrested
On Wednesday night, thousands of people took to the streets of Jerusalem to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstrators opposed the dismissal of Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, as well as the decision to resume military operations in Gaza.
Clashes erupted between police and protesters during the demonstration. To disperse the crowd, the police used water cannons and arrested 12 individuals for blocking roads.
On Tuesday night, more than 40,000 people protested against Netanyahu across Israel. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had declared the decision to remove Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar illegal. In response, Netanyahu decided to dismiss Baharav-Miara from her position as well.
Netanyahu is accused of attempting to remove Ronen Bar to halt an investigation into secret deals between his associates, Hamas, and Qatar.
According to The Times of Israel, former Mossad Chief Tamir Pardo has described Netanyahu as a major threat to national security.
Hamas Prime Minister Killed in Israeli Airstrike
Israel has killed Hamas Prime Minister Issam Dib Abdullah Al-Dalis in an airstrike on Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed his death on Wednesday. Abdullah had taken over the position in July 2024 after the death of Ruhi Mushtaha.
Abdullah was responsible for overseeing Hamas’s governance in Gaza and managing its organizational and military operations. In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have also eliminated three top Hamas leaders:
- Mahmoud Marzouk Ahmed Abu-Wafa (Hamas commander and political leader)
- Bahjat Hassan Mohammed Abu-Sultan
- Ahmed Omar Abdullah Al-Hattab
Israeli Defense Minister: “We Will Open the Gates of Hell in Gaza”
On Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a strong warning to Hamas, stating that if the hostages were not released, Israel would “open the gates of hell in Gaza.”
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire with its airstrikes and warned that such actions put the lives of Israeli hostages in danger. Hamas claims that Israel launched the attacks without provocation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the airstrikes, saying he ordered them because ceasefire negotiations had stalled. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Israel would resume military action if talks did not progress.
Over the past two weeks, Israel has cut off the supply of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential goods to Gaza, demanding that Hamas accept modifications to the ceasefire agreement.
First Phase of Ceasefire: 33 Israeli Hostages Released
The first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1. During this phase, Hamas released 33 hostages, including eight bodies, while Israel freed 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations for the second phase have not yet begun.
In the second phase, around 60 hostages were expected to be released, along with discussions on a potential end to the war. Hamas currently holds 24 living hostages and 35 bodies.
