Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced an expansion of military operations in the Gaza Strip. This follows the resumption of their offensive in the Palestinian territory in March.
The operation, named 'Power and Sword,' involves large-scale evacuation of Gaza's population from combat zones to eliminate terrorists and infrastructure, according to Katz's statement.
The Israeli operation in Gaza also aims to seize "large areas" for potential incorporation into Israeli security zones.
The announcement follows warnings of intensified military action in additional areas of Gaza and recent attacks on Khan Yunis and Rafah. The Gaza Civil Defense agency reported two Israeli attacks on residential buildings, resulting in at least 15 deaths, including children.
Thirteen fatalities occurred in a bombing of a house in central Khan Yunis, while another attack in Nuseirat resulted in two deaths. The conflict began after Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which caused over 1,200 deaths. The Israeli campaign has reportedly killed over 50,300 people in Gaza, mostly civilians.