Israel initiated a large-scale airstrike operation on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, marking its most intense attacks since a ceasefire took effect earlier this year. The strikes have resulted in over 400 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, with over half of the deceased being women and children, reports Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The Israeli offensive raises concerns of a return to full-scale conflict, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that any further ceasefire discussions would occur under military pressure.
Hamas has yet to issue a military response but cautions that Israel’s actions risk the lives of Israeli hostages still held by the group. For weeks, Hamas has advocated for earnest talks on advancing the ceasefire agreement’s next phase.
Israel and the U.S. attribute the renewed conflict to Hamas’s unwillingness to release additional hostages before new negotiations. This demand was not stipulated in the initial ceasefire. The Trump administration supports Israel’s stance, with the Israeli government withdrawing from the ceasefire that President Trump previously touted.
– Concerns Over Medical Supplies
Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, an American trauma surgeon with MedGlobal at Nasser Hospital, articulated the dire medical situation, highlighting that many patients, mainly children, will succumb to their injuries due to the hospitals’ lack of essential resources. The scene at the hospitals is chaotic, with patients sprawled on floors and medical staff overwhelmed. Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, volunteering with Medical Aid for Palestinians, shared harrowing tales of children’s injuries, including a six-year-old girl paralyzed by shrapnel.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that most casualties on Tuesday were women and children. Israel blames Hamas for civilian deaths, accusing the group of embedding itself within the civilian population.
In a protest action, an air force reservist, Alon Gur, was dismissed from service for refusing to report to duty in light of the resumed attacks, viewing them as politically motivated.
The call for further negotiations gained momentum, with protests erupting in Tel Aviv demanding the government resume discussions and release abducted Israelis.
– International Reactions and Security Concerns
Several international leaders voiced opposition to the attacks. Syria filed a complaint with the U.N., condemning Israeli military actions as exacerbating regional instability and undermining security. Iran and Turkey accused Israel of executing a genocidal campaign in Gaza, while South Africa and France publicly condemned the airstrikes.
In response to the strikes, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile targeting Israel, which was intercepted. This marks their first action directed at Israel since the January ceasefire began.
Prime Minister Netanyahu justified the airstrikes as essential for meeting war goals, including dismantling Hamas and securing hostages’ freedom.
– Calls for Restraint and Resolution
The United Nations and Palestinian officials expressed alarm. During a Security Council meeting, Palestinian U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour urged action against the onslaught and highlighted the devastating impact on Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
The U.N. humanitarian chief called for an immediate resumption of aid to Gaza, illustrating dire shortages affecting food, medicine, and clean water access due to Israel’s siege.
On the ground, Israelis protested Netanyahu’s handling of the war, criticizing the reshuffling of key security personnel involved in ceasefire negotiations. Netanyahu’s attempts to replace those who have lost his confidence have been met with scrutiny.
Backlash against Netanyahu’s administration is growing, both domestically and internationally, as expectations for further military engagements increase.
The United Nations Secretary-General and various human rights organizations urge restraint and underscore the importance of finding peaceful resolutions.
With conflicts escalating, the international community faces pressure to mediate and reestablish discussions to prevent further humanitarian crises.