The Israeli military has resumed its ground and air operations in Gaza, killing at least 38 Palestinians in fresh attacks. This comes after a temporary ceasefire that had held for two months. Health workers in Gaza confirmed the casualties, saying the airstrikes targeted residential areas, leaving many dead and wounded.
On Tuesday, more than 400 people were killed in what is now considered one of the deadliest Israeli attacks since the war began in October 2023. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim their operations are necessary to maintain control over the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic area dividing northern and southern Gaza. They insist the military action is a “focused maneuver” to prevent attacks on Israel.
Hamas Condemns Israeli Attacks
The Hamas militant group has called Israel’s latest assault a “new and dangerous violation” of the ceasefire agreement. In a statement, Hamas urged mediators to take action, warning that Israel’s continuous aggression is worsening the humanitarian crisis. The United Nations also weighed in, reporting that an Israeli airstrike hit a UN facility in central Gaza, killing a foreign staff member and wounding five others. However, Israel denied the accusation, claiming it struck a Hamas stronghold instead.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on the UN compound and demanded a full investigation, stating that at least 280 UN workers have died in Gaza since October 2023. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry confirmed that one of its citizens working for the UN was among the dead, though it remains unclear if they were the same UN staffer reported killed.
Trading Blame Over Ceasefire Collapse
As the war intensifies, both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaking the ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces claim Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israeli territory, while Hamas argues that Israel has been escalating violence to justify further attacks. The latest airstrikes targeted areas in Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, killing 18 people, including mourners at a funeral tent.
Palestinian health officials report that over 49,000 people have died in Gaza since October 2023. The situation has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, leaving 2.3 million residents in desperate conditions. Despite global condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the military campaign, saying it is necessary to eliminate Hamas.
Protests in Israel and Global Outrage
The war has triggered protests within Israel, with many citizens demanding the government prioritize the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Currently, 59 hostages remain, with at least 24 believed to be alive. The Israeli government has faced internal backlash, with critics accusing Netanyahu of using the war for political survival.
Internationally, Israel’s latest attack on Gaza which has resulted in the death of 38 persons, have been condemned by countries including France, Germany, Qatar, and Egypt. Jordan’s King Abdullah called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning that continued bombardments will lead to greater regional instability.
Meanwhile, the European Union has expressed concern, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas calling the situation in Gaza “unacceptable.” Despite the backlash, Israel insists it will continue operations until Hamas is completely eliminated and security is restored.
As the war drags on, the humanitarian disaster deepens, and global powers struggle to find a diplomatic solution. With Israel resuming Gaza attacks and civilian casualties rising, I do not think that there will be a lasting ceasefire anytime soon.
