Israel expands Gaza offensive as dozens reported killed at aid sites
Israel has announced an expanded Gaza military operation after accusing Hamas of rejecting the latest US ceasefire proposal.
Israel expanded military operations in the north and south of the Gaza Strip on Sunday after Hamas pushed back on a ceasefire proposal brokered by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
A military statement quoted Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir as saying that Hamas is losing control over large parts of Gaza and that the Israeli operation is continuing "according to an orderly plan, at the right pace, until the goals of the fighting are reached, namely bringing back our hostages and eliminating the governing capabilities and the military branch of Hamas."
The operation is expected to proceed in stages with five brigades and advances taking place "on the outskirts of cities without penetrating the heart of Gaza and Khan Younis," according to the statement.
Shortly after the announcement, Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X, "I have instructed the IDF to continue forward in Gaza against all targets, regardless of any negotiations," referring to ongoing negotiations led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt aimed at securing a truce in Gaza.
