Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the military operation in Gaza is expanding to "crush" Hamas and seize large areas, which will be added to Israel’s security zones.

Axar.az, citing Fox News, reports that the expansion involves evacuations from conflict zones, though specific areas to be seized remain unclear.

The Hostage Families Forum criticized the move, urging the Israeli government to prioritize securing the release of 59 hostages still held by Hamas, emphasizing their deteriorating conditions. The group called for renewed negotiations and international pressure on Hamas.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue across Gaza, with overnight bombings killing at least 17 people in Khan Younis, according to hospital officials. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, while Israel claims to have eliminated around 20,000 Hamas fighters.