The IDF significantly expanded its operation in Gaza on Sunday morning, specifically in the Rafah area in southern Gaza. IDF spokesperson in Arabic Avichay Adraee issued immediate evacuation orders to the residents of Tel Sultan in Rafah. Additionally, the IDF spokesperson said on Sunday morning that IDF forces have begun operating in the Beit Hanoun area in the northern Gaza Strip in order to expand the security zone located there and destroy Hamas terror infrastructure. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz made an unusual statement on Friday, saying that the IDF will begin to permanently seize territory in the Gaza Strip if Hamas doesn’t release the hostages. “I have instructed the IDF to seize additional areas in Gaza, evacuate the population, and expand security zones around Gaza to protect Israeli communities and IDF soldiers,” Katz said. “The more Hamas persists in its refusal to release the hostages, the more territory it will lose, which will be annexed to Israel.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)