Israel has initiated a ground offensive to reoccupy the key Netzarim Corridor, a crucial strip of land that runs from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea and divides Gaza in two. This operation marks the end of a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has pledged to intensify military actions, stating that the recent airstrikes were only the beginning, and that Hamas would “pay the full price.” Katz further warned that evacuations in Gaza might soon be necessary if hostages, held since 2023, are not released.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, saying Tuesday’s strikes were “just the start” of efforts to achieve Israel’s military goals. In the meantime, as airstrikes continued on Wednesday, the United Nations confirmed the death of one of its staff members and the wounding of five others during a strike on a UN guesthouse in Gaza. The Israeli military has denied targeting the UN compound, though the UN had previously informed Israel of the facility’s location.
Since the ceasefire unravelled on Tuesday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported the deaths of 436 people, including 183 children and 94 women, with over 678 others wounded. The Israeli military insists it only targets militant positions and blames Hamas for civilian casualties, arguing the group operates within densely populated areas.
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Hamas continues to demand Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel remains focused on dismantling the group. Though Hamas seeks an extension of the ceasefire, Israel has indicated that military operations will continue until its objectives are met, offering only a potential deal involving the release of hostages.
