Key Points:
- 85 Killed Overnight: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 85 Palestinians, including women and children, as attacks intensified overnight.
- Ground Operations Begin: The Israeli military launched ground operations near Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, targeting Hamas strongholds.
- Civilians in Crisis: Movement restrictions and heavy bombardments have forced thousands of Palestinians to flee in search of safety.
- Houthi Missile Strike: Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed a missile attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport amid escalating regional tensions.
Gaza : The Gaza Strip witnessed another night of relentless violence as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 85 Palestinians, including women and children, according to health officials. The strikes targeted residential areas across northern and southern Gaza, causing widespread destruction and panic among civilians. This escalation follows the collapse of a ceasefire earlier this week, which had temporarily paused hostilities since January.
Renewed Ground Offensive
The Israeli military has also initiated ground operations near Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. The operations aim to dismantle Hamas infrastructure while expanding a buffer zone along the Netzarim corridor, which divides the territory into northern and southern regions. Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes once again, many using donkey carts to transport belongings as they navigate muddy paths to escape the violence.
Israeli authorities have restricted civilian movement within Gaza, barring travel on the main north-south highway and allowing only southward movement via coastal routes. The military claims its actions are focused on targeting Hamas militants but acknowledged civilian casualties.
Ceasefire Collapse and Rising Death Toll
The latest escalation began on Tuesday when Israel resumed heavy bombardments following a ceasefire breach. Over 510 Palestinians have been killed in the last three days, with more than half being women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The death toll includes those killed in strikes on densely populated areas like Khan Younis, Rafah, and Beit Lahiya.
Israel has accused Hamas of reigniting the conflict by launching rocket attacks into Israeli territory. In response, Hamas condemned Israel’s actions as a “dangerous violation” of the ceasefire agreement.
Regional Tensions Escalate
Amid the Gaza conflict, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport early Thursday morning. The Israeli military intercepted the missile before it could reach its target. This marks the second such attack by the Houthis this week as they escalate their offensive against Israel in solidarity with Gaza.
Additionally, the Houthis claimed to have attacked the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman in the Red Sea using ballistic missiles and drones. While no damage or casualties were reported, these actions highlight growing regional instability linked to the Gaza conflict.
International Reactions
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. Meanwhile, Israel expressed regret over the deaths of a Bulgarian citizen and a UN employee in Gaza but stated that investigations are ongoing to determine their cause.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen as civilians face relentless airstrikes, restricted movement, and inadequate access to basic necessities. With no signs of de-escalation, the region remains on edge as violence spreads beyond its borders.
