CNN —
Renewed Military Actions in Gaza
The Israeli military announced on Wednesday the initiation of “targeted ground activities” in Gaza, successfully regaining control over a significant area, just a day after resuming aerial bombardments that ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.
This military operation followed accusations from Israel that Hamas had continuously refused to release hostages and ignored mediation offers. Conversely, Hamas criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for unilaterally disrupting the ceasefire, jeopardizing the fate of the hostages.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that ground troops commenced operations to establish a security buffer between northern and southern Gaza, particularly in the central and southern regions.
Casualties and Damage Reports
According to Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, strikes on Wednesday resulted in numerous fatalities, including 24 individuals killed in an attack on a funeral home in Beit Lahia, and 21 others, including six children, in a strike in the Al-Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
Under the ceasefire agreement reached in January, Israel had retreated from the Netzarim Corridor, a crucial strip dividing Gaza into northern and southern regions, allowing for the movement of displaced persons returning to their homes after significant destruction caused by past bombardments.
Escalating Tensions and Military Actions
Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday reportedly resulted in over 400 fatalities in Gaza, marking one of the deadliest days of the ongoing conflict. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that residents of Gaza will “pay the full price” if hostages are not returned to Israel, emphasizing the government’s stance to escalate military pressure on Hamas.
As of now, only eight hostages have been recovered from the 251 taken by Hamas since October 7, 2023. Most hostages that have been released were part of ceasefire negotiations in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
UN Involvement and Violations of Humanitarian Law
The United Nations reported one of its international aid workers was killed by an “explosive ordnance” at a UN guesthouse in Gaza, with five others also injured. The Palestinian Ministry of Health accused the Israeli military of responsibility for the attack, while the IDF denied conducting any strikes in the area.
Video evidence collected at the scene indicated damage consistent with Israeli tank fire. Experts analyzed the footage and identified the weapon remnants believed to belong to an Israeli tank projectile. In light of this, the IDF has stated that they will investigate the situation further.
Public Reaction in Israel
The renewed conflict has sparked significant protests in Israel, as thousands gathered outside the Knesset, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the war. Tensions escalated during a rally in Jerusalem, leading to clashes with police and the arrest of 12 protesters.
Israeli police faced demonstrators who were accused of causing public disorder. A police spokesperson mentioned that crowd-control measures were necessary due to the demonstrators allegedly creating hazards during the protest.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
