Israel deploys troops to the Netzarim corridor in Gaza
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have taken a significant step by deploying troops to Gaza for the first time since the collapse of Israel’s ceasefire agreement with Hamas on Wednesday. The troops have been deployed to the Netzarim corridor, a crucial section of Gaza that essentially divides the strip in half. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will continue its military operations until every hostage held by Hamas is returned.
The IDF has described the deployment on Wednesday as a “limited ground operation,” but it remains to be seen whether it will be confined to the Netzarim corridor. This move follows a series of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza over the past few days, resulting in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
The IDF has reported that its strikes on Monday and Tuesday targeted and eliminated several mid- and high-level Hamas officials. Among them was Essam al-Da’alis, the head of the Hamas government, who was described as “the most senior figure of authority in the Gaza Strip.” Additionally, the IDF and ISA (Israel Security Agency) have confirmed the elimination of other key Hamas figures, including Mahmoud Marzouk Ahmed Abu-Watfa, the Minister of Internal Affairs; Bahajat Hassan Mohammed Abu-Sultan, Head of Hamas’ Internal Security Forces; and Ahmed Amar Abdullah Alhata, Hamas’ Minister of Justice.
Furthermore, Israel announced the elimination of Yasser Muhammad Harb Musa, responsible for security affairs in Hamas’ political bureau, and Muhammad Al-Jamasi, Head of the Hamas Emergency Committee.
The Trump administration has voiced its support for Israel’s decision to end the ceasefire, with National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Brian Hughes stating that Hamas had the opportunity to extend the ceasefire by releasing hostages but chose war instead. The White House has not yet commented on the deployment of troops in Gaza on Wednesday.
Moving forward, Israel has pledged to intensify its military actions against Hamas. The IDF and ISA have stated that, under the direction of the political echelon, they are targeting terrorist assets of the Hamas organization throughout the Gaza Strip.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. For tips, reach out to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
