Israel Launches New Ground Offensive in Gaza

Israel has issued a ‘final warning’ to Palestinians as the IDF launches a new ground offensive in Gaza following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call to shatter a ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Defence Minister Israel Katz today said Israel will soon issue evacuation orders for combat zones in the Gaza Strip.

‘Gaza residents, this is a final warning. The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza and the second Sinwar will completely destroy it,’ Katz said in reference to the late leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed who is believed to still be alive.

‘The Air Force strikes against Hamas terrorists were just the first step. It will become much more difficult and you will pay the full price,’ Katz added.

‘The evacuation of the population from combat zones will soon begin again.’

Katz also added that if the hostages are not released and Hamas is not removed from Gaza, ‘Israel will operate with strength you have yet not seen.’

The menacing warning comes after the Israeli army announced this afternoon that it had launched a ground operation in the centre of the Gaza Strip with the goal of establishing a ‘partial buffer zone’ between the north and south.

It also said it was stationing forces in the south and taking back control of the Netzarim axis, which troops withdrew from last month as part of the temporary ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

The IDF has launched a new ground offensive in Gaza

The Israeli army announced this afternoon that it had launched a ground operation in the centre of the Gaza Strip with the goal of establishing a ‘partial buffer zone’

Protests in Israel

The development comes as tens of thousands of Israeli protesters marched towards Netanyahu’s home today, with some seen holding banners reading: ‘The future of the coalition or the future of Israel).

Footage shows swarms of protesters gathered around the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as participants called to bring hostages home, while others condemned the government as ‘fascist>.

Other videos captured how demonstrators filled the streets of Jerusalem, bringing motorways and roads to a standstill.

Protest groups have ranged from the Defensive Shield Forum, a group representing former defence and security officials, and the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, an anti-corruption group that was active in a bitter battle in 2023 over curbing the power of the Supreme Court, alongside families of the hostages in Gaza.

The development comes as tens of thousands of Israeli protesters marched towards Netanyahu’s home today. Pictured: People march, as they enter Jerusalem, during a rally against the Israeli government and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and demanding the release of all hostages from Gaza

A separate group of protesters blocked the road by Jerusalem’s Paris Square, and at least four people were arrested in connection.

Israeli police said in a statement today: ‘So far, four suspects have been arrested for disorderly conduct, threats and violence, including a man (23) in whose possession an assault weapon was found.

‘The protesters’ behaviour, along with blocking streets in Jerusalem with their vehicles, is a blatant violation of the protest conditions that were agreed upon between the protesters and the Israel Police.

Netanyahu’s Decision to Resume War

Netanyahu’s decision to resume war in the Palestinian enclave, where 59 hostages are still being held, has added fresh fuel to the anger of protesters, who accuse the government of continuing the war for political reasons.

Protests started Tuesday after the prime minister announced over the weekend that he had lost confidence in Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, and had decided to sack him.

Protests started Tuesday after the prime minister sacked Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency

The protests come after Netanyahu’s decision to resume war in the Palestinian enclave has added fresh fuel to the anger of protesters

But Netanyahu’s decision to end the fragile ceasefire deal has added fuel to the fire

A drone view shows people marching towards Jerusalem, during a rally against the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Condemnation and Criticism

But Netanyahu’s decision to end the fragile ceasefire deal, which saw Israeli Defence Forces batter Gaza overnight into Tuesday, killing more than 400 people, only intensified the protests.

‘This is no longer a war that is about something that is important, it is all about the survival of this government, the survival of Benjamin Netanyahu,’ said Koren Offer, a protester in Jerusalem.

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