BBC March 21, 2025
The IDF said late on Thursday that soldiers had begun "conducting ground activity" in Rafah, which lies in the south of the territory near the Egyptian border.

It said in a statement that troops had "dismantled... terrorist infrastructure" another one 18 months on terrorists still standing still firing
adding that IDF forces were also continuing ground activity in north and central Gaza.

Earlier, Israel's military said it had begun "targeted ground activities" to create what it called a "partial buffer between the north and south" of Gaza.
It called the action a "limited ground operation".

IDF spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee said forces were deployed up to the centre of a strip, known as the Netzarim Corridor, which divides northern and southern Gaza.

Israeli government spokesman, David Mencer, blamed Hamas for the resumption of violence, saying
1. it had "forced this escalation,
2. it rejected every hostage deal, including the offers mediated by the U.S. and others".

Israel resumed attacks on Tuesday as talks to extend the ceasefire deal failed to progress, warning that they would intensify until Hamas released the remaining hostages.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that
1. it had "resumed combat in full force"
2. and any ceasefire negotiations would now take place "under fire".