The Israeli military has commenced ground operations in northern Gaza, particularly along the coastal corridor near Beit Lahia.
On Tuesday, Israel reinstated aerial strikes targeting several locations within Gaza, marking the resumption of military actions after a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which had been in effect since January. The escalation has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, with many more injured, according to reports from Gaza health officials.
As the situation unfolds, Gaza’s civil defense agency has reported a staggering toll: 504 fatalities since the airstrikes were revived, with over 400 of those occurring in a single day—making it one of the most catastrophic instances since the conflict erupted in October 2023.
Reacting to the Israeli ground operation in the Netzarim Corridor, Hamas described it as a “dangerous violation” of the recently established ceasefire.
Medical personnel have indicated that the latest airstrikes have targeted numerous residential buildings in both the northern and southern regions of Gaza. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Israeli officials regarding these developments.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their ongoing operations are intended to extend the country’s control over the Netzarim Corridor, a vital route that divides Gaza. The IDF characterized these maneuvers as “focused,” aiming to create a buffer zone between the northern and southern parts of the enclave.
In retaliation, Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility for launching a barrage of rockets toward Tel Aviv, stating the action was a direct response to the “massacres against civilians.” The Israeli military confirmed that three projectiles were launched from southern Gaza, with one intercepted and two landing in open areas.
Hamas reiterated its stance against the ground operations, labeling them a significant infringement of the month-old truce. In their latest statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire and called upon mediators to “assume their responsibilities.” A Hamas official noted that while mediation efforts have intensified, no significant progress has been achieved thus far.
Amidst these tensions, Israel has advised civilians in Gaza to evacuate areas deemed “combat zones.” The IDF has prohibited traffic along Gaza’s primary north-south route, intending to create a safer environment as operations intensify. “Over the past 24 hours, IDF soldiers have initiated a targeted ground operation in the central and southern Gaza Strip to broaden the security zone,” explained IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee.
The situation on the ground has been chaotic. Families, particularly those with young children, have filled evacuation routes from northern Gaza. Fred Oola, a senior medical officer at the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah, expressed the palpable anxiety in Gaza’s air: “Now, we can feel the panic… and we can see the pain and devastation in the faces of those we are helping.”
In addressing residents of the Hamas-governed Gaza, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz delivered a stark warning, encouraging the return of hostages held by Hamas. He stated, “Take the advice of the president of the United States. Return the hostages and remove Hamas; other options will open up for you.” This remark echoing an earlier caution from US President Donald Trump urged Gazans to release captives, implying dire consequences if they do not.
Of the 251 individuals abducted during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, 58 are still held, with 34 already confirmed dead by the Israeli military. Hamas has indicated a willingness to negotiate but has also rejected Israeli proposals to amend existing agreements related to hostages and ceasefire arrangements.
With discussions stalling and the initial phase of the ceasefire having expired in early March, tension remains high. Both Israel and the United States appear to be pressing for modifications to the ceasefire terms, while Hamas insists on maintaining the integrity of the deals brokered by Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators.
The renewed bombardment has led to a surge in casualties, overwhelming an already strained healthcare system in Gaza. A tragic incident saw a UN Office for Project Services employee killed and at least five others injured when a UN facility was struck by “explosive ordnance,” prompting UNOPS chief Jorge Moreira da Silva to emphasize, “attacks against humanitarian premises are a breach of international law.”
As public outcry in Israel grows, thousands have rallied in Jerusalem, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize hostage retrieval over military actions. “We want him to know that the most important issue is to get the hostages back,” said protester Nehama Krysler, speaking to the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis.
In a region fraught with tension, missile threats have also emerged from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who announced missile strikes on Israel as a show of solidarity with Palestinians, though these were reportedly intercepted by Israeli defenses.
As the situation progresses, the need for dialogue and understanding remains imperative to achieving lasting peace.
“The challenge ahead is significant, but dialogue must persist,” reminds Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. “Only through shared understanding can we hope to cultivate peace.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
