Gaza’s civil defense agency has reported a significant escalation in violence as Israeli air strikes since early Sunday morning have resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals throughout the Gaza Strip, with women and children among the casualties. The renewed bombardment comes as Israel resumes its aerial and ground campaign against Gaza, an operation that began again on March 18 after a two-month ceasefire. This ceasefire had provided a temporary reprieve following more than 15 months of ongoing conflict in the coastal territory.
Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the civil defense agency, detailed the severity of the situation, stating, “Since dawn today, the occupation’s air strikes have killed 20 people and injured dozens more, including children and women across the Gaza Strip.” The situation continued to deteriorate, with a subsequent statement revealing that a separate Israeli drone strike in eastern Rafah claimed the lives of five civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the ongoing military operations on Saturday, asserting that the government would maintain its offensive until all hostages taken by Hamas are returned. He emphasized the necessity for patience and resolve as the campaign reaches a pivotal moment. Netanyahu firmly rejected calls to cease hostilities or withdraw troops, stating, “We are at a critical stage of the campaign, and at this point, we need patience and determination to win.”
Since the resumption of military actions last month, the death toll in Gaza has surged, with at least 1,827 fatalities recorded according to figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry. The broader toll of the ongoing conflict has reached an alarming 51,201 lives lost, the majority of whom are civilians, a statistic the United Nations has deemed reliable.
The resurgence of violence follows a dramatic and unprecedented assault launched by Hamas on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 individuals on the Israeli side. The chaotic events of that day saw Palestinian militants take 251 hostages, with 58 individuals still believed to be in captivity in Gaza, including 34 that Israeli military sources now report as deceased.
As the situation remains volatile and humanitarian conditions in Gaza deteriorate, the international community watches closely, bracing for potential further escalations in hostilities amid ongoing efforts for resolution and peace.
