Aerial of war-devastated neighborhood in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on April 2, 2025. Photo: Bashar Taleb/AFP.
Nearly two weeks after fighting resumed in Gaza, “Israel’s” objectives have become increasingly apparent. While it claims of “pressuring Hamas” to agree to a prisoner exchange deal, the Israeli army has intensified its ground offensive in the south, launching dozens of airstrikes across Rafah city and nearby Khan Younis. After forcibly displacing residents, Israeli forces advanced along the Morag axis, strategically cutting off Rafah from the rest of southern Gaza. Occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently announced the establishment of this new axis.
According to military analyst Avi Ashkenazi in statements to Maariv Newspaper, “Israel’s” military operation in Gaza has shifted from pressuring Hamas to negotiate into seizing additional land and annexing it into expanded security buffer zones. The 36th Division now operates in central and eastern Rafah, while the 14th Reserve Brigade has taken positions in Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, and the Givati Brigade has moved into Shaboura refugee camp.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli media reported that the 252nd Division is stationed in Gaza City and northern Gaza, with reserve brigades deployed in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and along the Netzarim axis. These maneuvers clearly demonstrate “Israel’s” intent to increase territorial control, with Israeli forces currently occupying around 40% of Gaza.
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During Eid al-Fitr, Israeli forces intensified airstrikes, committing massacres that targeted displaced civilians in tents, shelters, ambulances, and rescue vehicles, killing more than 60 people daily. On April 2 alone, two significant massacres occurred, one targeting a residential building in Rafah, killing over 15 people, and another hitting a UNRWA clinic in Jabalia refugee camp, killing 22 people, including 16 women and children.
As “Israel’s” ground campaign expands, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened dramatically, with 90% of Gaza’s population unable to secure even one meal per day. A Gaza government source speaking to Al-Akhbar confirmed the shutdown of all 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Program due to critical flour and fuel shortages. Further compounding the crisis, Gaza’s border crossings have remained closed for over 35 days, leading to severe shortages and skyrocketing prices, with flour now exceeding $150 per sack. Additionally, Israeli drones deliberately targeted government police officers attempting to control market speculation, killing three and injuring others. Under continuous Israeli bombardment, Gaza’s authorities are unable to prevent price gouging and ensure food availability.
Meanwhile, prisoner exchange negotiations have reached a deadlock after “Israel” recently rejected a proposal that involved Hamas releasing five Israeli captives, including American-Israeli Idan Alexander, in exchange for 1,111 Palestinian detainees, including 100 serving life sentences. Instead, “Israel” insists on a US-backed plan led by envoy Steve Witkoff, which proposes releasing 11 Israeli captives and 16 bodies in exchange for a 40-day ceasefire. Hamas has decided not to respond to this latest Israeli proposal.
(Al-Akhbar) by Yousef Fares
Translation: Al-Akhbar English
OT/DZ/SC
Youssef Fares
Youssef Fares is a Palestinian writer and journalist from Gaza. Worked as a reporter for a number of international newspapers and channels. He specializes in resistance affairs. Currently he is an author at Al-Akhbar News and he regularly posts updates on his telegram channel.
