‘IDF Activity Will Soon Expand’: IDF Increases Intensity of Gaza Operations as New Hostage Deal Mooted

Latest Developments

New Evacuation Orders After Rockets Fired at Israel: The IDF issued new evacuation orders on April 13 for parts of southern Gaza following the launch of three rockets from the area at Israeli communities the day before. The Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, published the orders on X, urging residents of Khan Yunis and nearby neighborhoods to evacuate westward toward designated humanitarian zones in the al-Mawasi area. “This is the final moment to remove Hamas and release the hostages and bring about an end to the war,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, adding that “intensive IDF activity will soon expand to additional areas in Gaza.” The Israeli Air Force announced on April 14 that it had attacked 35 terror targets throughout Gaza in the past 24 hours.
Rafah Part of Buffer Zone, IDF Increases Intensity of Operations: Over the Jewish holiday of Passover, the IDF completed the encirclement of the southern Gaza city of Rafah and established full control over the “Morag Corridor” — a newly formed axis running north of Rafah across Gaza, effectively separating the city from Khan Yunis to its north. Israeli forces reportedly now control some 30 percent of the Gaza Strip, with the current IDF maneuvers designed to eventually bring 50 percent of Gazan land under Israeli control.
Hostage Deal Possibility Raised: Israel is reportedly working to secure the release of 10 hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In return, Hamas is demanding guarantees that the war in Gaza — which began on October 7, 2023 following the Iran-backed group’s invasion of southern Israel — will come to a permanent end. The group is also reportedly insisting on a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Of the 251 hostages originally abducted by Hamas, 59 remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to still be alive.

FDD Expert Response

“The IDF’s advance through Rafah has met little armed resistance — and limited foreign outcry. It’s clear to all sides: Israel is determined to move in, rescue the hostages, and get out. But Jerusalem must be ready for the possibility that Hamas plans to wait it out underground, banking on civilian suffering to sap Israel’s will and international support.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“Despite the intensifying Israeli military pressure on Hamas since the collapse of the ceasefire over a month ago, the Islamist organization has shown no indication of relinquishing its weapons or ceding control — a key demand of Israel and the United States. Mediators must urgently address these fundamental issues rather than continue to delay this significant obstacle to peace. Failure to do so will only prolong the conflict further.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Hamas’s demands for a permanent end to the war in Gaza ring hollow as its operatives continue launching rockets at Israeli civilians. These actions not only put Gazan lives at risk but also prolong the conflict — directly contradicting the conflict-averse image Hamas attempts to project to a gullible international audience.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor