Israel executed a significant series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Tuesday, targeting positions held by Hamas. This operation marks the most formidable offensive since a ceasefire took effect earlier this year. Reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicate that the strikes have resulted in over 320 casualties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the decision was made due to stagnation in efforts to prolong the current ceasefire. Officials have described the operation as indefinite with potential for escalation. In response, the White House confirmed its involvement in discussions and voiced its support for Israel’s actions.
Hamas issued a statement condemning the airstrikes, alleging that they had violated the ceasefire agreement, further endangering the fate of hostages.
The renewed conflict shattered a period of relative peace during Ramadan and heightened fears of renewed hostilities in the ongoing 17-month conflict that has already claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and caused extensive destruction in Gaza.
In the wake of these developments, Egypt, a pivotal mediator in the ceasefire dialogues, condemned Israel’s actions, denouncing them as a blatant breach of the peace agreement. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry called upon the international community to intervene promptly to halt the aggression and urged restraint on all sides to allow mediators to complete their peace efforts.
The UN’s human rights chief expressed his dismay at the airstrikes, calling for a political resolution to the ongoing conflict, dismissing the idea that military solutions could end the crisis.
Meanwhile, families of hostages captured by Hamas called for demonstrations outside the Israeli parliament, fearing that the renewed conflict endangers their loved ones. An unidentified Israeli official reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu would convene with top security leaders to determine subsequent actions.
In a separate statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed shock at the aerial assaults and called for the continuation of humanitarian aid to Gaza, alongside the unconditional release of hostages.
Freed British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari shared her anguish over the resumed conflict, expressing her determination to fight for those still held captive.
Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least 326 people had been killed, noting the current wave of attacks as one of the deadliest episodes in the ongoing war. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the call for a renewed ceasefire to alleviate the Gaza conflict.
Among the Israeli strikes, one targeted a prison in a densely populated Gaza city neighborhood, reportedly killing dozens of inmates and guards, prompting humanitarian concerns as rescue operations continue amidst ongoing hostilities.
The Israeli military has urged residents of eastern Gaza to relocate towards central areas, hinting at possible ground operations in the near future. Furthermore, the Hamas-run Education Ministry announced a pause in school activities due to the renewed violence, with several institutions converted into shelters for displaced individuals.
A UNICEF employee in Gaza described the ordeal of surviving the night as bombs fell, expressing concern over the ongoing tragedy impacting numerous families and children.
The Hostages Families Forum criticized the government’s decision to return to war, suggesting it diminished efforts to secure hostage releases, while some Israeli political figures welcomed the resumption of hostilities as a step towards a decisive military victory against Hamas.
Gaza hospitals remain overwhelmed with casualties from the current operations, with more bodies being brought in as the search for survivors continues. In a separate issue, North Korea criticized recent US military actions directed at Houthi rebels in Yemen, interpreting the strikes as a violation of international norms.
A senior Hamas official lambasted Netanyahu’s decision to resume the conflict, warning of increased risks to hostages and accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire arrangement.
US officials, while holding Hamas responsible for the renewed warfare, stressed ongoing mediations for hostage release, suggesting severe consequences for continued hostilities.
Israeli authorities have signaled readiness to intensify military actions against Hamas, with continued backing from the United States government, indicating ongoing strategic alignment and consultation in the fight against extremist threats.
