Israel Expands Gaza Ground Operation as Missiles Are Intercepted

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories, March 21, 2025 – Israel’s military on Thursday intensified its ground operations in Gaza, following reports of missiles intercepted from Yemen and retaliatory rocket fire from Hamas militants aimed at Tel Aviv. This escalation marks a significant intensification of military activity, which has drawn sharp criticism globally.

The latest rocket fire from Hamas represents its first major military response to the ongoing aerial bombardment and ground operations by Israel, which resumed this week after a brief period of relative calm. The recent surge in violence has shattered a ceasefire that began on January 19 and ended after negotiations to extend it broke down. The Israeli military resumed its bombardment of Gaza on Tuesday, and tensions have since escalated.

Intensified Ground Operations and Military Actions

Late Thursday, Israel’s military confirmed that its troops had initiated ground activity in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, located near the Egyptian border. According to a military statement, the troops successfully dismantled terrorist infrastructure during these operations. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) added that they are also continuing ground activity in northern and central Gaza.

Earlier, the Israeli military closed the main north-south route through Gaza, expanding its ground operations that began on Wednesday. Gaza’s Civil Defence Agency reported that 504 people have been killed since the start of Israeli actions on Tuesday, with over 190 of them being minors. This marks one of the highest death tolls since the war began more than 17 months ago.

Hamas’s Retaliation and Interception of Missiles

In retaliation for the Israeli airstrikes, Hamas’s military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for firing rockets at Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial centre. The Israeli military also reported intercepting missiles launched from Yemen. These were reportedly fired by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who claim to act in solidarity with Palestinians.

The interception of missiles from Yemen marks the second such event in a single day, further complicating the region’s volatile security situation.

Israel’s Domestic Leadership Shake-up

In a related development, early Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency. The dismissal of Ronen Bar comes amid growing tensions and the fallout from a report concerning the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which sparked the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu cited a lack of trust as the reason for the removal of Bar, who had been with the agency since 1993.

Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Impact

The military operations have had a devastating impact on Gaza’s civilian population. In Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, a civilian named Alaa Abu Nasr lamented the loss of 17 family members in an Israeli airstrike, accusing Israel of targeting civilians rather than combatants.

Palestinians fleeing the violence have sought refuge in the southern parts of Gaza, with many seen travelling on donkey carts loaded with their belongings. The Israeli army has advised civilians in Bani Suheila, a southern Gaza area, to evacuate before planned airstrikes on militants operating from populated areas.

International Reactions and Calls for Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for Israel’s operations in Gaza, dismissing calls for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli strikes as a “catastrophic crime” and placed the blame for the violence on the United States. Hamas has appealed to the international community, urging Arab and Islamic nations to take urgent action to halt the renewed conflict.

The Human Toll and Ongoing Suffering

The violence continues to escalate, with the total death toll in Gaza reaching a staggering 49,617 since the war began. This figure was reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas. The initial Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, killed 1,218 people in Israel, the majority of whom were civilians, according to Israeli sources.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with countless families caught in the crossfire and unable to find refuge. As both sides continue their military operations, the international community watches closely, with many urging for a return to diplomatic talks and a potential ceasefire.

Supplementary Information:

• As of early March 2025, Gaza’s healthcare system has been severely strained, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.
• Israeli protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies have surged, with many citizens questioning the government’s handling of the war and the ongoing violence.

This ongoing conflict has further complicated peace efforts in the region, with the international community divided on the path to resolution.