The Israeli military has reinstated a blockade on northern Gaza, barring Palestinians from entering the region from the south via the main highway, a restriction echoing its wartime measures before January’s ceasefire. The decision, announced late Thursday, limits movement to the coastal road southbound only, effectively isolating Gaza City and surrounding areas once more.
Overnight strikes across Gaza killed at least 58 Palestinians, according to three hospitals, with multiple homes hit as families slept. In Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis, a predawn strike on the Abu Daqa family’s home claimed 16 lives—mostly women and children—including a father and his seven kids. A month-old baby survived, orphaned alongside her grandparents. “The house collapsed over the people’s heads,” said rescuer Hani Awad, combing through rubble for survivors. The area had been under an Israeli evacuation order days earlier.
Also Read: Israeli Military Resumes Ground Operations in Gaza Amid Renewed Airstrikes
The renewed onslaught, which began Tuesday, has shattered January’s ceasefire, brokered by the Trump administration after freeing over two dozen hostages. Israel blames Hamas for rejecting a revised proposal, prompting strikes that killed over 400 Palestinians that day alone, mostly women and children, per Gaza’s Health Ministry. No Hamas attacks have been reported since.
Elsewhere, Israel intercepted a missile from Yemen’s Houthi rebels early Thursday, with air raid sirens echoing in Jerusalem. It marked the second such incident since U.S. airstrikes targeted the Iran-backed group this week.
Israeli ground troops also advanced Wednesday, seizing a corridor splitting Gaza’s north from south—the first incursion since the ceasefire. With food, fuel, and aid cut off, Israel vows to escalate until Hamas releases 59 hostages (35 believed dead) and relinquishes control. Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal, accusing Netanyahu of derailing peace as hostage families fear for their loved ones’ lives.
Key Points: Israel Restores Gaza Blockade, Escalates Strikes
- Northern Gaza Blockade Restored: On March 20, 2025, Israel reimposed a blockade on northern Gaza, banning entry from the south via the main highway, restricting movement to the coastal road southbound only, isolating Gaza City and adjacent areas.
- Deadly Overnight Strikes: Israeli airstrikes killed at least 58 Palestinians across Gaza overnight into Thursday, hitting homes. In Abasan al-Kabira, 16 died—mostly women and children—including a father and his seven kids, leaving a month-old baby orphaned.
- Ceasefire Collapse: Heavy strikes resumed Tuesday, ending January’s U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Israel blames Hamas for rejecting a new proposal; over 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, died that day, per Gaza’s Health Ministry.
- Houthi Missile Intercepted: Early Thursday, Israel downed a missile from Yemen’s Houthi rebels near Jerusalem, the second such attack since U.S. airstrikes on the group began this week.
- Ground Offensive: Israeli troops advanced Wednesday, seizing a corridor dividing northern Gaza from the south—the first ground move since the ceasefire—while cutting off food, fuel, and aid to Gaza’s 2 million residents.
- Hostage Standoff: Israel demands Hamas release 59 hostages (35 presumed dead) and cede control. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal and lasting ceasefire, as families of captives fear renewed fighting endangers their loved ones.
