Israel has resumed military operations in Gaza, leading to the deaths of at least 59 Palestinians following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Gazan officials reported a significant escalation in violence, with more than 400 fatalities on a single day, marking one of the deadliest periods of the ongoing conflict. This new offensive comes after Hamas’s refusal to accept revised ceasefire terms, prompting accusations from both sides of violating previous agreements.
Israeli forces conducted targeted ground activities, aiming to increase control over key regions in Gaza, while Hamas condemned the attacks as a serious breach of the ceasefire, asserting its commitment to the armistice. The Israeli Defense Force stated that the operations are intended to establish a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza and to maintain pressure on Hamas to return hostages.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has further deteriorated due to ongoing airstrikes and restrictions on aid, with a warning of impending hunger conditions in the enclave. The UN reported that an international aid worker was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a UN guesthouse, which raised concerns regarding the legality of such attacks on humanitarian facilities.
Domestically, protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict have escalated, resulting in clashes with police and arrests. Critics allege that Netanyahu is using the war to bolster his political position amid a fragile coalition. The Israeli military’s actions have drawn both local and international scrutiny, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the ongoing conflict.
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