Israel has resumed extensive airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 85 Palestinians, according to the territory’s health ministry managed by Hamas. This increase in violence follows a period of reduced military actions after a ceasefire began in January. Over the past two days, more than 430 fatalities have been reported, intensifying fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Escalation of military actions
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they initiated a ground operation in northern Gaza, marking a significant re-escalation of military activities. On Thursday, the military announced it had begun targeted ground operations aimed at establishing a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. IDF spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee indicated that forces are operating up to the center of the region known as the Netzarim Corridor, which serves as a divide between the two areas.
Impact on civilians and humanitarian concerns
The ongoing conflict has taken a severe toll on civilians, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting that 133 individuals sustained injuries during the recent airstrikes. Amid the devastation, the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, disclosed that five of its staff members were killed in the last few days, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. Philippe Lazzarini, the agency’s chief, described these victims as teachers, doctors, and nurses, and expressed concerns that the worst may still be ahead.
“They bombed a tent next to us and he died,” said Qasim Abu Sharqiya, mourning the loss of his two-year-old son, Omar. “Omar is my only son, oh world, and I have no one else.”
In the wake of the strikes, medical facilities are overwhelmed. Doctor Tanya Haj Hassan from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported that many victims did not even reach the emergency room but were taken directly to the mortuary, reflecting the catastrophic impact of the ongoing airstrikes.
Internationally, the conflict has prompted reactions from various parties. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that a British national was among those injured in an incident involving a UN compound in Gaza. The situation remains critical as humanitarian aid continues to be severely restricted, compounding the suffering of the local population.
In a broader context, the recent military actions are part of a larger narrative of hostilities that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel, primarily civilians. This attack triggered a formidable military response from Israel, which has led to over 48,500 Palestinian deaths, according to reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.
As the fighting continues, calls for a renewed dialogue and ceasefire are becoming increasingly urgent, yet as the situation stands, prospects for peace remain uncertain.