Occupation forces blow up residential blocks in Gaza and expand their field control

Israeli occupation forces escalated their field operations early Tuesday morning, with engineering units carrying out widespread demolition operations targeting remaining homes and facilities in the northern and southern areas of the Gaza Strip. These explosions were concentrated in the northeastern part of Khan Yunis city, accompanied by heavy gunfire from military vehicles stationed around the targeted areas.

In Gaza City, local sources reported hearing a massive explosion that shook the Al-Tuffah neighborhood to the east, resulting from a demolition operation carried out by the occupation army near the Al-Sanafour intersection. This coincided with artillery shelling targeting the northwestern areas of Rafah, causing panic among displaced persons in those areas, which continue to experience tensions despite truce agreements.

Intense gunfire from Israeli vehicles was witnessed on the outskirts of the Al-Shuja'iyya and Al-Tuffah neighborhoods, in a move apparently aimed at preventing any Palestinian movements in areas close to military concentrations. These field movements come as part of a series of continuous violations of the ceasefire agreement announced in October of last year, threatening the collapse of fragile understandings.

Regarding geographical expansion, the Israeli army has, in recent weeks, moved the barriers and concrete blocks associated with what is known as the 'Yellow Line' westward. This measure has effectively encroached upon new areas of the Strip's land and increased the scope of areas prohibited to Palestinians, forcing hundreds of families to displace again from their residential areas.

Palestinian field estimates indicate that the occupation authorities now exercise effective control over more than 70% of the total area of the Gaza Strip through the extended security strip. This intensive military presence hinders citizens' access to their agricultural lands and properties, turning large parts of the Strip into closed military zones under constant surveillance.

According to data issued by the Ministry of Health, Israeli aggressions since the start of the ceasefire have led to the martyrdom of more than a thousand people and injuries to thousands with varying degrees of severity. This toll is in addition to tens of thousands of victims who have fallen since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, amidst widespread destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities in all governorates of Gaza.

The Israeli army currently controls more than 70% of the Gaza Strip's area by moving security barriers.