The Israeli army announced on Friday morning the expansion of its land operation in the Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, noting that its forces began working in the area with the aim of “deepening control and expanding the defensive insurance area.” The statement stressed that a number of militants were eliminated and infrastructure was destroyed, including a command and control complex that was used by Hamas elements to plan and direct military activities.
In the same context, the statement stated that the army allowed the residents to evacuate the area through dedicated paths, stressing that its operations are continuing against the armed factions in Gaza to protect the citizens of Israel. Eyewitnesses said that the battle of tanks and military vehicles had already advanced east of the Shujaiya neighborhood, which led to a new wave of displacement, as the neighborhood residents began heading to the center and west of Gaza City.
The Israeli army had warned the neighborhood residents and neighboring neighborhoods asking them to evacuate the area, which prompted thousands of families to go out on a new displacement amid familiar scenes in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the army spokesman stressed: “The army is very strongly working in your areas to destroy the terrorist infrastructure. For your safety, you should evacuate these areas immediately and move to shelter centers in the west of Gaza City.”
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had stated on Wednesday that Israel is working to create a new security corridor through Gaza, which is the “Morag” corridor, which will extend between the cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis. Netanyahu stressed that pressure will be gradually increased on armed factions until the hostages are delivered.
