Israeli forces have continued their ground operation in the Gaza Strip for the ninth consecutive day since resuming military action, carrying out heavy bombardment and causing widespread destruction. In response, Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, claimed responsibility on Wednesday for launching rockets at Israeli communities near Gaza, describing the attack as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes. Addressing the Knesset, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify military operations against Hamas, stating: "The longer Hamas refuses to release our hostages, the stronger the pressure we will exert." He suggested that Israeli measures could include "seizing land and other actions that I will not elaborate on here." In response, Hamas accused Netanyahu of deliberately derailing ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations, claiming that "returning to war was a premeditated decision." The group warned that intensified Israeli airstrikes put Israeli captives in danger, stating, "Every time the occupation attempts to retrieve its captives by force, they return in coffins." Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that authorities have launched a "pilot program" to facilitate the departure of Gaza residents, with 100 Palestinians leaving for Indonesia on Tuesday to work in the construction sector. The program is reportedly overseen by Ghassan Alian, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinian officials have voiced concerns that such initiatives could be part of a broader effort to depopulate Gaza, particularly given the extensive destruction caused by the ongoing war since 7 October 2023. The Gaza Government Media Office has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis, stating that Israel continues to block border crossings and prevent essential aid from entering. Officials cautioned that stocks of flour and other critical supplies could be depleted by the end of the month, raising fears of famine. Similarly, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) reported that access to water in Gaza remains severely restricted due to Israeli-imposed cuts to electricity and fuel supplies. The organization urged immediate action to allow humanitarian aid into the territory to prevent further loss of life. On the ground, the Israeli military reported detecting two rockets launched from central Gaza, stating that its air defense system intercepted one, while the other landed in an open area without causing casualties or damage. As the conflict continues into its sixth month, international calls for a resolution are intensifying amid warnings of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe affecting Gaza's civilian population.
