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 Gaza, 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 at least 15 people killed in two airstrikes targeting houses in the sector, with local reports indicating the start of military operations in Rafah city 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 followed a previous warning last week that the army would operate "at full capacity" in additional areas in Gaza. Israel resumed its intensified military operations on March 18, followed by a ground invasion, ending a ceasefire that lasted about two months within the ongoing war with Hamas, after negotiations on the next stages of de-escalation stalled. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry, managed by Hamas, reported that the death toll from Israeli shelling since the resumption of fighting has exceeded 1042. The United Nations completely rejected Israeli claims that the food supply in Gaza is sufficient "for a long period." The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated yesterday that "there are sufficient food supplies, provided that Hamas allows civilians access to them." UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric responded to these allegations, calling them "ridiculous" during a press conference in New York, confirming that "supplies are running out, whether those belonging to the UN 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," noting that the closure is not optional but a result of scarce essential resources.