The Israeli occupation army announced today the launch of a limited ground operation in the central Gaza Strip, noting that its forces had taken control of the central Netzarim axis in the Strip.

The army claimed that the operation's goal was to expand the defensive zone and establish a dividing line between the north and south of the Gaza Strip, as part of its ongoing military strategy.

The Israeli military leadership confirmed that operations against armed groups in Gaza would continue, claiming to protect the security of Israeli citizens.

The Israeli occupation army announced that its armored and infantry forces had begun limited ground operations and maneuvers in the north and south of the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, as part of expanding the scope of its military operations.

An Israeli military statement issued Wednesday evening stated that the operation aims to "expand the security zone and create a buffer zone between the north and south of the Gaza Strip," noting that Israeli forces have taken control of the central Netzarim axis in central Gaza.

It was also decided that the Golani Brigade forces would be stationed in the southern sector in preparation for carrying out military operations inside the Strip.

In the context of the military escalation, Israeli occupation aircraft launched a large-scale aggression on the Gaza Strip at dawn on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 460 Palestinians, including children, and the injury of more than 600 others, some of whom are in critical condition.

Since October 7, 2023, the occupation has continued its genocidal war in Gaza, with American support. The total number of martyrs and wounded has reached more than 161,000, most of whom are children and women, in addition to more than 14,000 missing amid massive destruction of the Strip's infrastructure.