On March 20, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commenced a ground operation targeting the Shaboura neighborhood in Rafah, a known Hamas stronghold in the southern Gaza Strip. This action is part of a broader campaign to dismantle terrorist infrastructure following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire.
The IDF reported that its forces are engaging from land, sea, and air, focusing on destroying Hamas’s operational capabilities in Rafah and other parts of Gaza. The military emphasized that these operations aim to neutralize threats posed by Hamas militants entrenched in civilian areas.
In response, Hamas launched rockets toward Israeli territories, including Tel Aviv. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted some of these rockets, and no casualties have been reported on the Israeli side.
The escalation follows the breakdown of a ceasefire that had been in place since January 19, 2025. The truce facilitated temporary peace and the release of hostages. However, renewed hostilities have led to significant casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Reports indicate that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have dropped leaflets over Gaza, advising residents to evacuate certain areas ahead of military operations. The leaflets were disseminated in Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, as well as eastern Khan Younis, instructing residents to leave their homes. Additionally, leaflets were dropped in eastern Rafah, telling Palestinians to flee to al-Mawasi.
Despite these warnings, the densely populated nature of regions like Rafah complicates efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
International reactions have been mixed. Some nations support Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist organizations, while others express concern over the potential for increased civilian casualties and the exacerbation of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The United Nations has called for restraint and the protection of non-combatants during military operations.
The situation remains fluid, with the IDF indicating that operations will continue until their strategic objectives are achieved. The international community is closely monitoring developments, emphasizing the need for a sustainable resolution to the conflict that ensures the security and well-being of all civilians in the region.
