Israeli officials have signaled plans for a military operation aimed at taking control of the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt. The Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources familiar with the discussions, that the move would see the Israeli army deploy into the southeastern sector of Gaza. For almost two decades, Israel has maintained tight control over all but one border crossing in Gaza, a reality that grows more complex amid rising tensions and regional uncertainties.
Earlier statements from the Israel Defense Forces indicated a focus on neutralizing the leadership and command infrastructure of Hamas within Gaza. The reports described airstrikes against what were described as Hamas operational headquarters and a command center, along with ongoing hits on a facility described as a weapons-filled command hub used by the group. The intensity of the strikes reflects the ongoing effort to degrade the organization’s military capabilities and to disrupt its command and control networks.
The broader crisis intensified on October 7 when thousands of Hamas supporters gathered in the area, leading to attacks on civilians in Gaza and the abduction of more than 200 people. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country was at war. A ground operation was launched with the stated objective of recovering hostages and dismantling Hamas’s command structure, a strategic aim that has shaped Israeli military planning and regional diplomacy in the ensuing days.
In the wake of the violence, measures were taken to cut off a range of essential supplies to Gaza, including water, food, basic goods, electricity, and fuel, as the conflict escalated. The moves were part of a broader strategy intended to pressure Hamas and its supporters while attempting to limit civilian suffering through targeted operations and humanitarian considerations, a balance that has been difficult to maintain amid intense fighting and high casualties.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently articulated an end goal that includes neutralizing Hamas’s capacity to threaten Israeli security. Reports from government and military officials, as relayed by major news outlets, emphasize the determination to dismantle the organization’s command structure and to prevent future attacks, even as the human cost of the conflict continues to mount. The situation remains volatile, with frequent updates from field commanders and political leaders shaping both international responses and the day-to-day realities for residents in the region.