Israel Launches Gaza Ground Assault

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Israel launched a ground assault in Gaza, seizing the Netzarim Corridor.
• A two-month ceasefire with Hamas has collapsed.
• The IDF began targeted ground activities in central and southern Gaza.
• Israel accuses Hamas of refusing to release hostages.
• The Israeli Defense Minister issued a final warning to Gaza residents.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Israel Begins Ground Assault in Gaza: Captures Key Corridor, Ceasefire Collapses

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that it has launched a new “pinpointed” ground offensive in central and southern Gaza, regaining control of a key land corridor. The ground operations came just a day after heavy aerial bombardments on the Gaza Strip, reportedly killing over 400 people and ending a two-month-old ceasefire with Hamas. Gaza Ground Assault is a serious situation.

In a social media post, the IDF stated that its troops “began targeted ground activities in central and southern Gaza, over the past day, in order to expand the security zone and to create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.”

Control of the Netzarim Corridor

The military said that its forces retook control of the center of the Netzarim Corridor. According to The Times of Israel, troops from the 252nd Division advanced into the Netzarim Corridor, the key route dividing Gaza into northern and southern sectors, seizing control of roughly half the corridor, reaching as far as the Salah a-Din road. Gaza Ground Assault is progressing.

The IDF simultaneously announced the deployment of the elite Golani Brigade to the southern Gaza border, positioning the unit in preparation for potential operations inside the strip.

“The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect the citizens of the State of Israel,” the IDF said.

Refusal to Release Hostages: Israel’s Accusation

Israel has accused Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release hostages and turning down mediator proposals. In response, Hamas has blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for shattering the truce and endangering hostages with what it called “reckless and unilateral” actions.

Final Warning from Israeli Defense Minister

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a “last warning” to the people of Gaza to accept US President Donald Trump’s suggestion and remove Hamas from the Gaza Strip.

Katz stated, “Residents of Gaza, this is the last warning. Take the advice of the President of the United States. Return the hostages and remove Hamas, and other options will open up for you — including the possibility of leaving for other places in the world for those who want to.”

Ceasefire Collapse

The recent onslaught, which included sending more troops to southern Gaza, threatened to drag the sides into an all-out war again.

The ceasefire offered brief relief to war-weary Palestinians, opened the door for desperately-needed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, and secured the release of dozens of hostages who had been held captive for over 15 months.

Defending the resumption of the offensive into the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the war would continue until Hamas’s governing authority and military infrastructure were entirely dismantled.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Israel launched a ground assault in Gaza, seizing the Netzarim Corridor.
• A two-month ceasefire with Hamas has collapsed.
• The IDF began targeted ground activities in central and southern Gaza.
• Israel accuses Hamas of refusing to release hostages.
• The Israeli Defense Minister issued a final warning to Gaza residents.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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