Israel Escalates Ground Operations in Gaza Following Deadly Air Strikes
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has extended its ground operations in Gaza following a devastating wave of air strikes that have reportedly killed more than 430 people within two days, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. This move signals the collapse of the fragile ceasefire agreement that had been in place since January.
IDF Moves Deeper Into Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its troops have advanced into the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic strip dividing northern and southern Gaza. The military described its operations as "targeted ground activities" aimed at establishing a security buffer between the two regions.
Reports from Palestinian residents indicate mass evacuations, with thousands of civilians fleeing on foot, by cart, or in vehicles as Israeli forces advance. The military has issued new evacuation orders for Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, suggesting that a larger-scale ground operation may be imminent.
Ceasefire Collapses Amid Renewed Hostilities
The latest offensive comes after failed negotiations to extend the ceasefire. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared on Tuesday that Israel had “resumed combat in full force” and that any further negotiations would only take place “under fire.”
Tensions flared after Hamas declined Israel’s proposal to renew the ceasefire under revised terms. Hamas had offered to release a living American hostage and four bodies in exchange for an extended ceasefire, but Israel rejected the deal.
UN Staff Killed in Attack on Gaza Compound
International concerns have grown after a United Nations facility in Deir al-Balah was hit during the air strikes, killing two individuals, including a UN staff member. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) stated that an “explosive ordnance was dropped or fired” on the building. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of UNOPS, strongly condemned the attack, stating, "This was not an accident. The situation in Gaza is unconscionable."
Israel’s Ultimatum to Hamas
In a stern video message on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a final warning to Hamas, demanding the return of 59 remaining hostages—24 of whom are believed to be alive. Katz warned that if the hostages were not released, Israel would continue its full-scale military campaign, vowing “total destruction and devastation.”
Hamas’ October 7 Attack and Israel’s Response
The conflict reignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. During the initial phase of the ceasefire, 25 hostages were released alive.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian casualties. The ongoing military strikes have also caused widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, and infrastructure across Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Israel Blocks Aid
As the war intensifies, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Israel has blocked the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies since early March, aiming to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire agreement. Aid organizations have warned that hospitals are running out of critical supplies, and thousands of displaced families face severe shortages of basic necessities.
The international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, has repeatedly urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the region, but so far, the blockade remains in place.
International Reactions and Calls for Ceasefire
World leaders have expressed growing concerns over the rising death toll and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United States, the European Union, and several Arab nations have called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed peace talks. However, Israel remains firm in its stance, stating that military operations will continue until Hamas agrees to its demands.
With hostilities escalating and no sign of diplomatic progress, Gaza remains at the center of a devastating and prolonged conflict that shows no signs of resolution.
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