Israel announced on Wednesday that its military is seizing “large areas” in Gaza, making the territory “smaller and more isolated,” amid ongoing air strikes that recently killed at least 23 people, mostly women and children. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated Israel would intensify pressure on Gaza until hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated, while also promoting “voluntary emigration” in line with a US proposal. The air strike in Gaza City, which targeted a senior Hamas militant, has been condemned by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority as a “heinous massacre,” with escalating casualties reported on both sides since the renewed offensive began.
