Hamas has resumed hostilities by firing rockets at Tel Aviv, marking a notable escalation in tensions as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed the interception of one rocket, while others landed in uninhabited areas, mitigating immediate damage. The ongoing conflict, which reignited with intense fervor after a ceasefire discount, has already claimed at least 591 lives, including over 200 children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground operation in Gaza following a failed bid to extend a ceasefire deal that had momentarily paused large-scale confrontations since January. Troops have begun activities in the southern city of Rafah, close to the Egyptian border, as well as the central and northern regions of the territory. The IDF spokesperson indicated that the aim is to dismantle what they describe as terrorist infrastructure and establish a buffer zone between the north and south of Gaza.
Israeli officials accused Hamas of instigating the resurgence in violence and ignoring potential hostage negotiation offers. Operations resumed as Israel's government faced escalating pressures to secure the release of hostages, with 59 believed to still be under Hamas's control, including 24 alive.
As the violence continues, the United Nations reported casualties among its personnel, highlighting the precarious situation in Gaza. UN officials criticized the circumstances surrounding an attack on their compound, which resulted in one worker's death and injuries to others, with the Israeli military confirming they are investigating.
International responses have also been swift. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to Israel while UK officials expressed concern following the injury of a British national in the conflict. As protests erupted in Israel demanding accountability for hostages' safety, the domestic situation deteriorated, with law enforcement clashing with demonstrators.
In a broader regional context, Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile at Israel, which was intercepted before reaching its destination, further complicating the already tense atmosphere in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that combat operations would continue unabated, calling for negotiations to occur under the specter of ongoing military action.
Since the conflict's inception with a Hamas attack in October 2023, significant civilian casualties have unfolded on both sides, with the toll on Palestinian civilians reportedly exceeding 48,500. The scale of destruction throughout Gaza remains dire, as the humanitarian crisis deepens under the combined pressures of military operations and blockades.
