Israel Resumes Airstrikes in Gaza, Breaking Ceasefire Amid Escalating Tensions
In a shocking development, Israel resumed its airstrikes in Gaza early Monday morning, just shy of the two-month mark of a ceasefire, resulting in at least 50 fatalities, including women and children, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. The attacks targeted areas in Deir al-Balah and Gaza City, which Israel had previously declared as humanitarian zones and where displaced civilians were urged to seek refuge. Eyewitness accounts from the Strip describe a harrowing scene of bombings while many were asleep, occurring within the sacred month of Ramadan.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the sudden military escalation by pointing to the persistent refusal of Hamas to comply with earlier agreements made in January, specifically regarding the release of Israeli hostages. "From now on, we will act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu declared. He indicated the Israeli army's operations would persist indefinitely and could extend beyond airstrikes.
Local journalist reports, constrained by Israel's blockade barring press access to Gaza since the conflict began, conveyed the devastation, including graphic images of deceased infants and children amidst hospital fires caused by the strikes. The scale and intensity of the attacks reportedly surpass daily averages observed in previous months of conflict.
Critics argue that Netanyahu's decision to revoke the ceasefire agreement has dire implications for hostages held by Hamas, plunging them into an uncertain fate. In retaliation, Hamas characterized Israel's actions as aggressive and provocative, claiming they were escalating tensions unprovoked.
Since last week, Israel has maintained a comprehensive blockade of humanitarian aid, including essentials such as food, water, and medical supplies—now extending to electricity for crucial water desalination facilities. The airstrikes come in the wake of a previous spike in violence, with nearly 20 casualties recorded in the two days leading up to the early morning offensive.
Hospitals in Khan Yunis, where a significant number of casualties were reported, are overwhelmed as injured civilians, including numerous children and women, flood in for urgent medical treatment. Amid fears for their safety, local mosques have called on residents to perform prayers at home instead of congregating in potentially perilous settings.
The Israeli military, following the escalation, modified its operational guidelines for communities adjacent to Gaza, indicating a shift in anticipation of further confrontation. This shift effectively cancels school classes and marks a period of heightened alert.
The Biden administration expressed support for Israel’s airstrikes and confirmed that it was notified beforehand. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed, "President Trump has made it clear that groups like Hamas and the Houthis will face consequences for their actions not only against Israel but also against the United States."
This decision comes against the backdrop of broader regional tensions, including threats from Trump targeting Iran, with which Netanyahu's government seeks to bolster ties amid Middle Eastern escalations. Recent US airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, perceived as allies of Iran, have already claimed numerous lives and represent a significant military engagement since the change in U.S. leadership.
The situation remains fluid, as both Hamas and the Israeli government navigate this volatile landscape of military operations, negotiations, and international pressures. With humanitarian conditions worsening and civilian casualties mounting, concerns grow that the ongoing violence will plunge the region deeper into turmoil.
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