On Thursday, The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had launched a 'pinpointed' ground offensive in central and southern Gaza, reclaiming control of a strategic land corridor. The operation followed intense airstrikes the previous day, which reportedly killed over 400 people and abruptly ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.

A social media post shared by the IDF stated that its troops "began targeted ground activities in central and southern Gaza, over the past day, in order to expand the security zone and to create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza".

The military reported that its forces had regained control of the central part of the Netzarim Corridor. According to the Times of Israel, troops from the 252nd Division advanced along this strategic route, which separates northern and southern Gaza, securing nearly half of it and reaching the Salah a-Din road. At the same time, the IDF announced that the elite Golani Brigade had been deployed to the southern Gaza border, preparing for possible operations inside the territory.

"The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect the citizens of the State of Israel," it stated.

Israel has accused Hamas of repeatedly rejecting hostage release deals and refusing mediator proposals. In turn, Hamas has blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for breaking the truce and putting hostages at risk through what it described as "reckless and unilateral" actions. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz administered a final call to Gaza’s residents, urging them to support U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to remove Hamas from power in the region.

"Residents of Gaza, this is the last warning. Take the advice of the President of the United States. Return the hostages and remove Hamas, and other options will open up for you -- including the possibility of leaving for other places in the world for those who want to," Israel Katz said.

The latest wave of attacks, including the deployment of additional troops to southern Gaza, risked reigniting full-scale war between the two sides. The ceasefire had provided temporary relief for Palestinians exhausted by the conflict, allowing much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza and securing the release of hostages who had been held for over 15 months. Justifying the renewed offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that the military operation in the Gaza Strip will press on until Hamas's power and military capabilities are totally destroyed.