On Wednesday, the controversial leader of a right-wing faction rejoined the Israeli government as the national security minister following Israel’s extensive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which tragically resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians.
Itamar Ben-Gvir had initially exited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition in January, expressing dissatisfaction with a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This truce was disrupted on Tuesday following Israel’s intensive aerial bombardment. Netanyahu declared that the recent attacks marked “only the beginning,” affirming Israel’s commitment to fulfill its military objectives, which include dismantling Hamas and liberating all hostages taken by the group during its October 7, 2023, attack, which reignited the conflict.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 436 people, including 183 children and 94 women, have perished since the onset of Israeli airstrikes. Zaher al-Waheidi, who manages the ministry’s records, has called this the deadliest day in Gaza since the conflict’s inception. The ministry’s records do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicate that at least 436 individuals, predominantly women and children, have died due to the airstrikes initiated early Tuesday, with 678 more injured. Although the intensity of attacks lessened on Wednesday, the situation remains dire. The Israeli military insists its targets are militant entities, attributing civilian casualties to Hamas’ operations in densely populated regions. The ministry confirmed the high number of casualties since the attack’s commencement, without separating civilian from militant deaths.
In response to allegations of targeting a United Nations compound in central Gaza, the Israeli military has denied any such actions. Although the Gaza Health Ministry claimed an Israeli attack on Wednesday injured five international staffers in a U.N. facility, the Israeli army stated that it had not targeted any U.N. premises in Deir al-Balah. At the time, there was no comment from U.N. representatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron described Israel’s airstrikes as a “tragic step backwards” for both the Palestinian populace and the Israeli hostages and their kin. Speaking in France alongside Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Macron called for a halt to hostilities and a return to negotiations, including U.S. involvement, aiming for a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages. They were also expected to deliberate on the necessity of humanitarian aid and the restoration of essential services, like water and electricity, to Gaza.
In other developments, Malaysia has agreed to accept 15 Palestinians released from Israeli prisons and subsequently exiled following the January ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Malaysia’s Foreign Minister emphasized that this represents a modest contribution to the Palestinian cause, advocating for peace in Gaza. The country’s security agencies will closely monitor the movements of these individuals upon their arrival.
Additionally, in southern Lebanon, a U.N. peacekeeper was injured in a mine explosion, as reported by the National News Agency of Lebanon. The specific location was identified between the villages of Zibqine and Yater, bordering Israel. A UNIFIL spokesperson confirmed that the injured peacekeeper was receiving medical attention in Beirut.
The Gaza Health Ministry also reported that an Israeli strike wounded five staff members of an unidentified U.N. agency on Wednesday, with those affected receiving treatment at Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital. Despite these reports, no comments were issued from the U.N. or the Israeli military.
In Jerusalem, thousands took to the streets to protest the re-escalation of hostilities in Gaza, fearing the consequences for two dozen hostages still held by Hamas. Concerns were raised over the wellbeing of hostages and the potential danger renewed warfare poses to them, with many advocating for negotiations over military action.
Adding to the internal political shifts, Itamar Ben-Gvir has reclaimed his position in Netanyahu’s administration, enhancing the government’s stability ahead of an upcoming budget vote and potentially extending its tenure until the next elections in 2026. Ben-Gvir has advocated for a full military engagement aimed at dismantling Hamas and facilitating the migration of Palestinians from Gaza, with plans to rebuild Jewish settlements in the area.
