Israel has resumed its airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, ending a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. The escalation has resulted in at least 510 Palestinian deaths in the past three days, with more than half of them being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The renewed violence began on Tuesday, when Israeli airstrikes killed more than 400 people in a single day, making it one of the deadliest days of the conflict. Early on Thursday, at least 85 more people were killed, as Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple homes across Gaza. Additionally, Israeli ground forces advanced into the Netzarim Corridor, the key buffer zone separating Gaza’s northern and southern regions.
The escalation comes after Hamas rejected a new ceasefire proposal that departed from their signed agreement. Israel has vowed to continue its military campaign until Hamas releases the 59 remaining hostages, at least 35 of whom are believed to be dead. Meanwhile, Hamas has refused to disarm, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
