Israel has launched a fresh ground offensive in central and southern Gaza, seizing control of a strategic corridor, a day after intense aerial bombardments killed more than 400 people and shattered a two-month-old ceasefire with Hamas.

In a statement on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it had begun "targeted ground activities" to expand what it termed a security zone and establish a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza. The military claimed it had regained control of the central part of the Netzarim Corridor, a key route dividing the besieged enclave.

According to the Times of Israel, troops from the 252nd Division advanced into the corridor, capturing roughly half of it and reaching the Salah a-Din road. Simultaneously, Israel deployed its elite Golani Brigade to the southern border, indicating potential further incursions.

Fresh hostilities erupt

The renewed assault has raised fears of a full-scale escalation, with Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the collapse of the fragile ceasefire, which had allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza and facilitated the release of hostages held for over 15 months.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued what he described as a "final warning" to Gaza’s residents, urging them to accept a proposal by US President Donald Trump to oust Hamas. "Return the hostages and remove Hamas, and other options will open up for you," Gallant said, suggesting that those willing could leave Gaza for "other places in the world."

Netanyahu vows to continue war

Defending the military operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war would persist until Hamas was dismantled both as a governing entity and a military force. The IDF, he said, would continue operations "to protect Israeli citizens and eliminate terrorist threats."

Hamas, however, accused Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging mediation efforts and endangering hostages with what it called "reckless and unilateral actions." The group insisted that Israel had refused to honour previous agreements.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have expressed alarm over the latest escalation, warning of dire consequences for civilians in an already devastated Gaza Strip.