Israel has resumed intense airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, following what it called a “last warning” for Palestinians to return hostages and remove Hamas from power. The military escalation has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hamas retaliated by launching rockets at Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial hub, marking their first military response to the mounting civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s renewed assault. Israel’s military intercepted one rocket while two others hit uninhabited areas.
Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that at least 504 people have been killed since the escalation began, with more than 190 of the victims being children. The previous death toll stood at 470.
In response to the growing violence, Palestinians have fled south along Gaza’s main artery, Salaheddin Road, with families packing their belongings onto donkey-drawn carts as Israel’s military continues to tighten its control over the territory. The Israeli army has banned traffic on this critical route, urging civilians to use an alternative coastal road.
The airstrikes resumed earlier this week after a brief period of calm following the expiry of a ceasefire earlier this month. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, including from Gaza’s grieving families, Israel’s military continues its operations in an effort to expand its security zone.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), condemned the ongoing violence, describing the situation as a relentless nightmare for the people of Gaza.
The overall death toll in Gaza since the start of the Israeli offensive has reached 49,617, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The conflict has drawn widespread condemnation, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling Israel’s actions a “catastrophic crime” and blaming the United States for its support of Israel.
