DEIR-AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — In recent developments, local health officials in the Gaza Strip have reported the deaths of at least 85 Palestinians due to Israeli airstrikes, adding to a death toll that now approaches 600. These casualties follow the rupture of a ceasefire, which previously had facilitated the release of several hostages and had maintained relative peace since late January.
Following the collapse of the truce, Hamas launched three rockets toward Israel; however, these attacks resulted in no injuries. Zaher al-Waheidi of the Gaza Health Ministry noted that Israeli airstrikes in the past three days have claimed at least 592 lives.
The Israeli military has reinstated a blockade on northern Gaza, impacting areas such as Gaza City. Although Palestinians are not being ordered to evacuate northern Gaza, restrictions prevent entry, leaving movement limited to southbound foot travel along the coastal road. During the previous ceasefire, many Palestinians had returned to their northern homes.
In a late-night meeting, Israel’s Cabinet agreed to fire the head of the Shin Bet internal security service at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request. This decision fuels a power dispute largely centered on the accountability for the initial Hamas attack that initiated the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Attorney General of Israel countered the dismissal, claiming the Cabinet lacks the authority to do so.
Israeli ground forces are engaging in operations near Beit Lahiya and Rafah. These maneuvers came after reclaiming part of a strategic corridor dividing the northern and southern regions of Gaza. Palestinians near Khan Younis received evacuation orders due to anticipated military actions in response to the Hamas rocket fire aimed at Tel Aviv.
In a related incident, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missiles toward Israel on Thursday. The missiles, intercepted before reaching their targets, did not cause injuries, though alert signals were activated and defensive rockets were deployed over Jerusalem.
Amidst the chaos in Gaza, the Health Ministry reported a “bloody night,” with at least 85 individuals killed in airstrikes, most being civilians. The Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya confirmed receiving 19 bodies after a particularly devastating strike.
Israel’s military confirmed targeting high-ranking Hamas officials, claiming a focus on combatants. However, accusations persist about the disproportionate impact on non-combatant populations, especially women and children.
Among the numerous strikes, an attack on the Abu Daqa family’s home resulted in the deaths of 16 family members, leaving a one-month-old baby as one of the few survivors.
The conflict shows no signs of resolution as the U.S. government reiterated its backing of Israeli actions. With the blockade and cessation of aid to Gaza, Israel continues to demand the release of remaining hostages by Hamas.
Hamas, requiring a prolonged ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for any prisoner release, insists on maintaining its armament until guaranteed freedoms in the Palestinian territories.
Internal tensions within Israel have amplified with Netanyahu’s move to dismiss Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, amidst public protests supporting Bar’s independent judgment. Rumors of connections between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar further complicate the political landscape.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas-led incursions on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with widespread displacement and destruction remaining prevalent.
