Israeli military escalation in Gaza with an expansion of operations.

Israeli Defense Minister, Yisrael Katz, announced today, Wednesday, April 2, a significant expansion of the military operation in the Gaza Strip, stating that Israeli forces will take control of large areas in the sector and incorporate them into Israel's security zones. In a related context, Palestinian sources reported the killing of at least 15 people in two airstrikes targeting houses in the sector, with local reports indicating the start of military operations in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Katz clarified in an official statement that the operation will involve a wide evacuation of civilians from conflict areas, urging Gaza residents to "overthrow Hamas" and release Israeli detainees, considering it "the only way to end the war." This statement came after a previous warning last week that the army would operate "at full capacity" in additional areas in Gaza. It is worth noting that Israel resumed its intensive military operations on March 18, followed by a ground invasion, ending a ceasefire that lasted about two months amid the ongoing war with Hamas, after negotiations on the next stages of calm faltered. On the other hand, the Ministry of Health in Gaza, managed by Hamas, announced that the number of casualties from Israeli shelling since the resumption of fighting has exceeded 1042 deaths. The United Nations completely rejected Israeli statements claiming that the food supply in Gaza is sufficient "for a long period." The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) mentioned yesterday, Tuesday, that "there are sufficient quantities of food, provided that Hamas allows civilians access to it." UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric responded to these allegations, describing them as "ridiculous," stating in a press conference in New York that "supplies are running out, whether those belonging to the United Nations or those entering through humanitarian corridors." He added that the World Food Program was forced to close all 25 bakeries it supports in Gaza due to "lack of flour and cooking fuel," pointing out that the closure is not optional but a result of the scarcity of basic resources.