Israel Announces New Ground Operations in Gaza

Latest Developments

IDF Expanding Buffer Zones: The IDF announced on March 19 that it had restarted ground operations in the Gaza Strip following renewed airstrikes that killed several Gazan terrorist leaders over the past few days. In a statement, the IDF said that the ground activities were focused on central and southern Gaza “to expand the security zone and to create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.” Israeli troops also expanded their control in the central Netzarim Corridor, which bisects northern and southern Gaza.
Hamas Leaders Killed: Since restarting military operations on March 16 after Hamas torpedoed attempts to extend the ceasefire, according to U.S. officials, Israel conducted airstrikes throughout the Gaza Strip, killing several terrorist leaders. The IDF confirmed on March 19 that it had eliminated Yasser Muhammad Harb Musa, a close ally of eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, whom the IDF said oversaw security affairs for Hamas’s political bureau and was responsible for promoting and directing terrorist activities in Israel. Additionally, the IDF also eliminated Mohammad al-Jamasi, the head of Hamas’s Emergency Committee, who also directed terrorist operations against Israel.
UN Employee Dies Clearing Landmines: On March 19, the United Nations blamed an alleged Israeli strike on a UN compound in Deir al-Balah for the death of a UN employee and for injuring several foreign workers. The IDF denied striking the compound, saying that the deadly explosion occurred in the process of clearing landmines.

FDD Expert Response

“Airstrikes can weaken Hamas, but they are not a definitive solution. The most effective military pressure on Hamas and its allies in Gaza comes from ground operations. However, the core challenge lies in what happens after the war. Israel and the United States are determined to prevent Hamas from remaining in power once a permanent ceasefire is established, while Hamas and its allies refuse to relinquish control. Until this deadlock is resolved, achieving a lasting ceasefire will remain challenging.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The war never ceased. Though it is defeated militarily, Hamas continues to torture Israeli hostages and hold them in miserable conditions. Hamas is also holding the population of Gaza hostage in its attempt to annihilate the Jewish state. Israel has a unique opportunity combining American support and new IDF military leadership to secure the release of the hostages and prevent a genocidal terrorist group from threatening its southern border.” — David May, Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst