On the 16th, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement indicating that, within the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have launched large-scale airstrikes in multiple areas of Gaza and have mobilized ground troops to achieve control over key operational regions, preparing for further expansion of military actions.
The statement said the new offensive aims to achieve all war objectives, including rescuing all hostages and completely defeating Hamas.
The 'Times of Israel' reported, citing Israeli officials, that the core goals of the operation include establishing comprehensive military control over Gaza and maintaining a continuous occupation of the territory, relocating Palestinian civilians to southern Gaza, comprehensively striking Hamas, and preventing Hamas from taking over or hijacking humanitarian aid supplies.
Earlier that day, the IDF issued a statement saying that from the 15th to the 16th, the Air Force hit more than 150 targets in Gaza, including "anti-tank missile launch sites, military buildings, and armed personnel command centers," among others.