DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized Israel’s determination to persist in its conflict with Gaza, reiterating that the war will only end once Hamas is dismantled, hostages are freed, and a lasting threat from the territory is neutralized. In addition to addressing the ongoing conflict, he reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Back home, pressure mounts on the Prime Minister from both families of hostages and retired military personnel who question the war’s continuation after Israel broke a recent truce.
Significant tensions persist as Hamas rejected a recent Israeli proposal involving the release of some hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Hamas insists on the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, conditions echoed by the now-defunct previous agreement.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that recent Israeli airstrikes resulted in over 90 fatalities within 48 hours, as Israeli forces increase their efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and disarming. Hospital sources confirmed that the casualties included women and children, with significant fatalities in Khan Younis, where thousands of displaced persons have sought refuge. Israeli forces have designated the area as a humanitarian zone.
Mourners grieved over their losses, with one scene capturing a brother’s lament as he wished for a different fate. Additional fatalities occurred in Rafah city, where a mother and her daughter were among the victims according to reports from the European Hospital. Later, airstrikes targeting civilians in Nuseirat resulted in further casualties.
Israel’s military claims to have neutralized over 40 militants throughout the weekend. Concurrently, a soldier’s death was confirmed, marking the first Israeli military casualty since the conflict resumed earlier in March. This incident followed an apparent ambush by Hamas forces in Gaza City.
Israel aims to intensify its operations across Gaza, planning to establish “security zones” potentially maintaining a prolonged military footprint in the densely populated coastal territory. The blockade, ongoing for over six weeks, also continues to severely restrict food and essential supplies entering Gaza. Aid organizations warn of worsening humanitarian conditions, with increasing reports of malnutrition, especially among children, exacerbated by dwindling food supplies.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy of the World Health Organization’s eastern Mediterranean office urged the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Israel to advocate for lifting the blockade, to ensure essential aid reaches the region.
The conflict traces back to an October 2023 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and abductions. Some hostages have been released through various agreements, yet 59 remain in captivity. The ongoing Israeli offensive has claimed over 51,000 lives in Gaza, primarily affecting women and children, according to local health authorities.
The war has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and heavily impacted its food production. The vast majority of the population has been displaced, seeking refuge in informal shelters amid the ruins. Growing discontent is evident on both sides with protests emerging within Gaza and persistent rallies in Israel urging the government to negotiate for hostage releases.
In Tel Aviv, large protests underscored public demand for a resolution. During a rally, a former hostage voiced a call for decisive action to secure the return of all captives, even if it means halting military operations.