Israel Warns of Expanded Gaza Offensive Amid Rising Casualties

Israeli military leaders have warned of a significantly expanded offensive in Gaza if hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack are not released soon. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli army chief, stated that continued operational pressure would escalate to a larger and more intense operation targeting Hamas, aiming for its defeat. This threat comes as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 55 people across Gaza on Thursday, with strikes targeting residential homes and alleged Hamas command centers. The renewed military campaign follows the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire and includes fresh evacuation orders for northern Gaza ahead of planned attacks. The Israeli military maintains that Hamas bears responsibility for both the hostages and the suffering of Gaza's civilian population, while local sources describe the widespread destruction and civilian casualties resulting from ongoing bombardments. Calls for the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians persist amid the escalation.