Jerusalem: The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that its forces have resumed ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip, intensifying their campaign amid escalating airstrikes that have reportedly killed at least 20 Palestinians, according to local health workers.
This renewed offensive follows a deadly day of bombardment that claimed the lives of over 400 Palestinians, marking one of the most severe escalations since the conflict began. The attacks have shattered a ceasefire that had largely remained in place since January.
Strategic Maneuvers and Escalating Tensions
The Israeli military stated that its operations have extended control over the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic route that bisects Gaza. The military described the maneuver as “focused,” aimed at establishing a partial buffer zone between the northern and southern regions of the enclave.
Meanwhile, the United Nations reported that an Israeli airstrike struck a U.N. facility in central Gaza City, killing a foreign staffer and injuring five others. However, Israel denied the claim, asserting that its attack targeted a Hamas site where militants were preparing to launch strikes into Israeli territory.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the U.N. Office for Project Services, condemned the incident, stating: “Israel knew that this was a U.N. premises, that people were living, staying, and working there, it is a compound. It is a very well-known place.”
Israel, which has vowed to eliminate Hamas, signaled that its latest military campaign was “just the beginning” of a broader operation.
Accusations and Humanitarian Crisis
Both Israel and Hamas blame each other for violating the ceasefire. The fragile truce had provided a brief respite for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, who have endured 17 months of conflict that has devastated the enclave and forced mass displacements.
According to Palestinian health officials, the Israeli campaign has resulted in over 49,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis, with dire shortages of essential resources such as food, fuel, and water. Israel, however, maintains that Hamas is using Palestinian civilians as human shields—a claim Hamas strongly denies, instead accusing Israel of indiscriminate bombings.
The conflict erupted following Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which gunmen killed approximately 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Internal Pressure and Regional Reactions
The decision by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intensify airstrikes has ignited domestic protests, particularly as 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive. A coalition of hostage families and anti-government protesters has criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of leveraging the war for political advantage.
Early on Wednesday, the Israeli military distributed leaflets in northern and southern Gaza, ordering residents to evacuate ahead of intensified combat. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that evacuations would begin imminently.
“Airstrikes are only the first step,” Katz said in a video statement, adding that if hostages were not released, “Israel will act with force you have not yet seen.”
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The renewed violence has drawn condemnation from multiple countries, including France and Germany, as well as regional mediators Qatar and Egypt. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concerns to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, stating that the situation in Gaza was “unacceptable.”
Jordan’s King Abdullah called for the ceasefire to be reinstated and for humanitarian aid to resume, warning: “Israel’s resumption of attacks on Gaza is an extremely dangerous step that adds further devastation to an already dire humanitarian situation.” The statement came during his visit to Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
U.S. Backs Israel Amid Rising Death Toll
Despite international outcry, the United States continues to back Israel’s military actions. Acting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, stated on Tuesday that responsibility for the renewed hostilities “lies solely with Hamas.”
Meanwhile, fresh Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday claimed multiple lives. Gaza health officials reported that an airstrike on a home in Gaza City killed three people, while another attack in Beit Hanoun left two men dead and six others wounded. In Salahdeen Road, Israeli tank shelling killed one person and wounded several others, while an airstrike in Beit Lahiya killed three additional civilians.
Escalating Conflict with No End in Sight
As the conflict deepens, fears of further civilian casualties and regional spillover grow. With hostilities intensifying and diplomatic efforts faltering, the prospect of a lasting resolution remains uncertain.
