What's happened
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have intensified, resulting in over 1,163 Palestinian deaths since March 18, 2025. Evacuation orders have been issued for Rafah, coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. The ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises, with over 50,000 total deaths reported since October 2023.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Crisis
- The ongoing violence has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 50,000 deaths reported since the conflict began.
- The United Nations has reported that 142,000 people have been displaced since the resumption of hostilities.
Military Strategy
- Israel's military strategy includes issuing evacuation orders for areas like Rafah, which have been designated as 'safe zones' but are still targeted by airstrikes.
- The Israeli army's spokesperson has emphasized the need to destroy what they term 'terrorist infrastructure,' raising concerns about civilian safety.
Political Implications
- The conflict's timing during Eid al-Fitr highlights the ongoing suffering of Palestinians, as many are forced to flee their homes during a significant religious observance.
- The international community's response remains critical, as humanitarian aid continues to be restricted, exacerbating the crisis.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens of Palestinians, including entire families, in designated humanitarian zones. The Independent reports that the death toll has surged since the ceasefire ended, with significant casualties reported during Eid al-Fitr. The New Arab highlights the extensive evacuation orders issued by Israel, marking a significant escalation in military operations. These sources collectively illustrate the dire humanitarian situation and the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
How we got here
The current escalation follows a two-month ceasefire that ended on March 18, 2025, when Israel resumed military operations in response to Hamas's actions. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas attack that resulted in significant Israeli casualties and hostages.
Go deeper
- What are the latest developments in the Gaza conflict?
- How is the international community responding to the violence?
- What humanitarian aid is being provided to those affected?
Common question
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What is the current situation in Gaza's Rafah amid renewed conflict?
As of April 2, 2025, the situation in Gaza's Rafah has escalated dramatically following the resumption of military operations by Israel. This renewed conflict has raised urgent questions about civilian safety, international responses, and the historical context of the ongoing violence. Below, we address some of the most pressing questions surrounding this crisis.
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What are the latest developments in the Gaza conflict?
The Gaza conflict has escalated dramatically, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. With ongoing airstrikes and evacuation orders coinciding with significant cultural events like Eid al-Fitr, many are seeking clarity on the situation. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the current state of affairs in Gaza.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.