DayofPal– Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday declared a sweeping escalation in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, vowing the complete destruction of the territory’s remaining infrastructure and an indefinite military presence in the areas captured.
In an interview with Israeli media, Smotrich stated that the Israel army is now conducting operations in Gaza in a “completely different manner,” marking what he called a decisive break from previous military strategies.
“This is a radical shift from previous operations,” he said. “This time we will stay in the areas we take and ensure Hamas is destroyed.”
Smotrich confirmed that five army divisions launched a major ground assault on Sunday, describing it as the most powerful military attack since the beginning of the war, now widely described by human rights groups as a genocide.
The renewed assault, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, involves simultaneous incursions across multiple sectors of Gaza. The offensive follows Israel’s resumption of hostilities on March 18, 2024, after it unilaterally exited a ceasefire agreement.
Smotrich also announced strict restrictions on humanitarian aid, saying Israel would allow only minimal quantities of food and medicine into Gaza to prevent what he termed “any resources reaching Hamas.”
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the cumulative toll of the Israeli genocide has now reached 53,339 dead and 121,034 injured since October 7, 2023.
In the two months since the ceasefire was broken, more than 3,200 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 9,000 wounded. Tens of thousands more have been displaced, many for the second or third time in recent months.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and basic infrastructure has been decimated.
With over 11,000 people still unaccounted for, and more than 174,000 Palestinians killed or wounded, the enclave faces a catastrophic crisis. Women and children constitute the majority of the casualties, according to multiple independent observers.
International legal experts and leading human rights organizations have intensified calls for accountability, with growing consensus labeling Israel’s campaign as a genocide under international law.
Despite widespread condemnation, Israel remains firmly backed by the United States, which continues to provide diplomatic and military support.
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