Following a series of deadly airstrikes in Gaza that killed over 430 people, Israel has now initiated a ground offensive. The Israeli military confirmed that its forces have resumed operations in central and southern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their troops have advanced into the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern and southern Gaza.
The IDF described the operation as "targeted and specific."
According to the IDF, the goal of the operation is to capture the Netzarim Corridor, which has already been partially seized.
Last month, as part of a ceasefire agreement, Israel had withdrawn its forces from the area.
Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, has called the ground offensive and entry into the Netzarim Corridor a "serious violation." In a statement, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and urged mediators to fulfil their responsibilities.
Israeli media reported on Wednesday that Israeli tanks had reached Salah al-Din Street near Nizarim in southern Gaza City, halting traffic for the first time.
Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth stated that the southern route along Al-Din Street remains open, allowing people to travel north, a route previously used by displaced Gazans. The coastal Al-Rashid Street in western Gaza is still open for people to walk and head north.
Israel explained that the closure is meant to apply additional pressure on Hamas and the Palestinians, especially as thousands of Gazans have already moved from southern Gaza to northern Gaza following Israel's withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor.
Hamas has condemned the move, saying it has destroyed the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, further tightening Gaza's blockade and exacerbating the suffering of its people.
Families have been seen fleeing Israeli military-designated areas, seeking safety. Some are walking, while others are travelling with their belongings in vehicles.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a final warning to Palestine in a video message on Wednesday, demanding the return of the remaining hostages.
Israel claims that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.
Katz warned Hamas with a "final warning," stating that if their demands were not met, the alternative would be "destruction and devastation."
In response to the death of a UN worker in the Dier al-Balah area on Wednesday, reports indicated that Israeli ground operations have intensified.
