The Israeli military has deployed nine additional infantry and armored brigades into the Gaza Strip within the last 24 hours, signaling a further escalation in its ground offensive across the enclave, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported Friday, citing unnamed military sources. The reinforcements are part of an expanded military operation approved earlier this month under what Israeli officials have termed the "Chariots of Gideon" plan, a long-term campaign involving sustained ground combat and wide-scale displacement of Gaza's civilian population. According to KAN, the army's operations are currently focused on two main areas: northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis. The military has warned residents in those areas to evacuate ahead of intensified aerial bombardments, though reports from humanitarian groups and residents indicate many displaced civilians continue to face attacks during their movement and in supposed safe zones. The Israeli army previously deployed Divisions 252, 143, and 36 to Gaza. In the last week, it added Divisions 98 and 162, with the latest deployment further bolstering ground forces already operating in the Strip. No official figures have been released regarding the number of troops involved. On May 4, Israel's Security Cabinet gave formal approval to expand the military campaign. The government subsequently began mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists and launched a coordinated ground assault on May 18 from multiple directions. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported Friday that more than 172,000 people in Gaza have been newly displaced in the past week alone, adding to the worsening humanitarian crisis. Israel has stated that its forces are working to evacuate civilians from designated combat zones, though aid agencies have warned of ongoing strikes on displaced populations. Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, more than 53,900 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities. The majority of those killed are reported to be women and children. Israel continues to face mounting international scrutiny over its military campaign. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, proceedings continue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Israel is the subject of a genocide case brought forward by South Africa. The Israeli government has rejected international ceasefire calls and maintains that its operations are aimed at neutralizing threats from militant groups operating within Gaza. — Agencies
