What's happened
Israeli military operations resumed in Gaza after a ceasefire collapsed, resulting in over 500 Palestinian deaths since the escalation began. Hamas retaliated with rocket fire towards Israel. International mediators are urging renewed efforts to restore peace amid rising tensions and civilian casualties.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Israeli forces have resumed ground operations in Gaza, targeting the Netzarim Corridor to establish a buffer zone.
- The Israeli military claims these operations are focused and necessary for security.
Humanitarian Impact
- The recent airstrikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating over 500 deaths, including many children.
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with infrastructure severely damaged and access to basic needs compromised.
Political Ramifications
- Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has criticized the renewed military actions, suggesting they will not resolve the hostage situation and calling for political change in Israel.
- Hamas has condemned the operations as a violation of the ceasefire, indicating a potential for further escalation.
International Response
- Qatar and Egypt are pushing for renewed mediation efforts to restore the ceasefire, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions amidst the violence.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, Israeli strikes have targeted homes across Gaza, leading to significant casualties. The Israeli military stated that the operations aim to expand control over strategic areas, while Hamas labeled these actions as a dangerous violation of the ceasefire. In contrast, SBS reported that the Israeli military described its actions as necessary for security, emphasizing the need to eradicate Hamas. The UN has condemned attacks on its personnel, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling for investigations into civilian casualties. This divergence in narratives illustrates the complexity of the situation, with both sides accusing each other of violations and human rights abuses.
How we got here
The conflict escalated significantly after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to a prolonged military response from Israel. A ceasefire had been in place since January 2025 but was shattered earlier this week, prompting renewed hostilities.
Go deeper
- What led to the collapse of the ceasefire?
- How are international mediators responding to the situation?
- What are the humanitarian implications of the renewed violence?
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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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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Gaza may refer to:
