During the second day of the renewed Operation ‘Swords of Iron,’ the IDF attacked dozens of Hamas terror targets and terrorists throughout Gaza, including mid-level commanders and senior figures in Hamas’s political wing. The IDF regained control over a third of the Nitzarim route in the Gaza Strip, and Hamas’s Ministry of Health claims that there are hundreds of dead and wounded since the operation began.
Updates Timeline:
13:32: IDF: Three missile launches were identified crossing into Israeli territory from southern Gaza
Following recent alerts in the Greater Tel Aviv and central region, three missiles were identified as crossing into Israeli territory from southern Gaza. The IDF Air Force successfully intercepted one missile, and two additional missiles fell in an open area.
13:30 Hamas Takes Responsibility for the Fire at Central Israel
13:23 IDF: “Sirens in the center were activated following missile launches from Gaza.”
13:21 Sirens in Tel Aviv and the Central and Coastal Areas.
12:45 IDF: “Our forces have also begun ground operations in the northern Gaza Strip.”
IDF forces began ground operations in the Beit Lahia area in northern Gaza in recent hours. Prior to this, the IDF and Shin Bet attacked Hamas terror infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch sites in the Beit Lahia area.
Meanwhile, the IDF and Shin Bet continued to target dozens of terror sites belonging to terror organizations across Gaza overnight. As part of the strikes, fighter jets and aircraft targeted dozens of terrorists from terror organizations, military structures, weaponry, and additional terror infrastructure that posed a threat to IDF forces and the State of Israel.
10:35 Hamas Spokesperson: Talks with Mediators Continue
Located in Gaza, Hamas spokesperson Abed al-Latif al-Qanoua announced that talks with mediators are continuing in an effort to reach a ceasefire. He further stated that Hamas “is committed to the ceasefire agreement and working with the mediators to prevent war” and ensure Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the terror group’s spokesperson called for urgent action by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to renew aid to Gaza.
10:17 – IDF Spokesperson in Arabic Warns Gaza Residents
In a post published on X (formerly Twitter), IDF Arabic spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichai Adraee wrote: “During the past 24 hours, the IDF has begun focused ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip in an effort to expand the security zone and create a partial barrier between the northern and southern Gaza Strip. As part of the operation, our forces have been deployed to the center of the Nitzarim route.” “For your security, movement between the northern and southern Gaza Strip, and vice versa, is prohibited on Salah al-Din Road. Movement from northern Gaza to the south is only permitted via Rashid. The IDF does not intend to harm you for your safety. Do not approach IDF forces in the defense zone and anywhere they are deployed.”
#عاجل ‼️ تحذير إلى سكان قطاع غزة،
⭕️خلال الساعات الماضية بدأت قوات جيش الدفاع عملية برية محددة في منطقة وسط قطاع غزة وجنوبه بهدف توسيع المنطقة الدفاعية بين شمال القطاع وجنوبه. خلال العملية انتشرت القوات حتى وسط محور نتساريم.⭕️من أجل سلامتكم يحظر الانتقال على محور صلاح الدين… pic.twitter.com/qBSsL3FL3E
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) March 20, 2025
10:13: Report: IDF Strikes in Rafah in the Southern Gaza Strip
According to reports from Gaza, the IDF struck in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and during the strike several Palestinians were injured.
9:23: IDF Confirms Additional Forces Raided the Gaza Strip This Morning and Expanded Control
Additional forces raided the Gaza Strip this morning and expanded control over the area. The forces regained control over areas the IDF had vacated when the ceasefire came into effect, and expanded the security zone, in addition to yesterday’s takeover of the Nitzarim route. The entry occurred from new areas in the northern Gaza Strip.
8:30: Israel Expands Ground Operations in Gaza Strip
Supported by combat helicopters, IDF forces raided additional areas in the northern Gaza Strip today, according to a report by journalist Almog Boker.
7:23: Report: Following the IDF’s Attack in Gaza, Hamas Seeks to Return to Negotiations
Senior sources in Hamas told the newspaper Al-Arabi al-Jadid that the organization informed the mediating countries it is willing to respond to any offer that includes the release of Israeli hostages, as long as it is within the framework of moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
According to the sources, discussions are ongoing regarding the proposal on the negotiating table. They estimated that a Hamas delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo today for meetings with senior Egyptian officials in order to assess the latest developments.
6:59: Report from Yemen: U.S. Military Strikes in Sana’a, Taiz, and Hudaydah
The U.S. military struck this morning in the provinces of Sana’a, Taiz, and Hudaydah in Yemen. Additional targets were attacked in Hudaydah and Sadaa during the night. Yesterday, the Houthis held at least 16 funerals for their members, including senior officers.
6:00: Simultaneous to the Fighting in Gaza, Surprise Drill in the Golan
As part of Division 210’s (Bashan) emergency preparedness, a large-scale surprise drill will take place today in the Golan. Accordingly, there will be increased movement of security vehicles and military presence on roads and in some settlements. Explosions will be heard in the area.
4:13: Israeli Air Force Intercepts Missile Fired from Yemen. The Missile Was Intercepted Before Crossing into Israeli Territory
The IDF spokesperson updates that following alerts, the Israeli Air Force intercepted one missile fired from Yemen. The missile was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory, and alerts were activated as per policy.
4:02: Alerts Following Missile Launch from Yemen, IDF Spokesperson Updates That Details Are Under Review
The IDF spokesperson updates that the alerts were activated following a missile launch from Yemen and that the details are under review.
3:59: Alerts Activated in Several Towns Across the Country
Red alerts were activated in Savyon, Petah Tikva, Kiryat Ono, Rishon Lezion, Rehovot, Ramat Gan, Ramat Hasharon, Ra’anana, Elad, Be’er Ya’akov, Beitar Illit, Kafr Qasem, Mikve Israel, Rosh Haayin, Bnei Brak, Yehud Monosson, Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut, Kfar Saba, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Or Yehuda, Lod, Bat Yam, Mevasseret Zion, Ramla, Givatayim, Beit Shemesh, Hod Hasharon, Ness Ziona, Herzliya, Holon, Kfar Shmaryahu, Shoham, and Givat Shmuel.
And in the regional councils: Gezer, Gan Raveh, Hevel Modi’in, South Sharon, Mateh Yehuda, Brenner, Mateh Benjamin, Hof Hasharon, Gush Etzion, Shfela Dan, Nahal Sorek, Shomron, Yoav, and Hevel Yavne.
IDF Begins Ground Operations in Gaza Strip
Yesterday, the IDF began focused ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip to expand the security zone and create a partial barrier between the northern and southern Gaza Strip. As part of the operation, the forces regained control and expanded their hold up to the center of the Nitzarim route. Meanwhile, it was decided that Golani Brigade forces would position themselves in the southern sector and be ready to operate in the Gaza Strip.
Watch the IDF in action:
The IDF is planning to carry out a comprehensive evacuation of Gaza residents to a new humanitarian area for a long-term stay. Reported today by Yinon Magal, this move is supported by the U.S. administration, and includes a series of unprecedented steps to ensure that everyone entering the humanitarian area undergoes thorough checks to verify they are not terrorists.
Evacuation of Northern Gaza Residents
Reported by Kan 11, Israel’s political leadership has instructed the IDF to prepare for the evacuation of northern Gaza residents to the south, following Hamas’s refusal to release hostages. It was further published that the evacuation process to the Muwassi neighborhood in the southern Gaza Strip is expected to take a long time. According to the political leadership’s plan, the IDF will begin evacuating entire areas while concurrently attacking by the air and ground forces into the area.
