Gaza Under Attack: Israel Launches Strikes
The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands of Palestinians displaced and in need of assistance. The international community is calling for an immediate end to the violence and a return to negotiations to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Israel has launched extensive air attacks on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people, including many children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, after a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas shattered due to disagreements over key aspects of the agreement.
The strikes, which began early Tuesday, targeted Hamas targets in Gaza, with the Israeli military saying they were conducting "extensive strikes" on the group. The conflict has resulted in over 48,520 deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza, with most of the population displaced and critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed. The breakdown of the ceasefire has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of an "immense tragedy" if the conflict escalates.
The dispute over the ceasefire agreement centered on the terms of the deal, with Hamas wanting to move to the second phase, which would have seen Israeli troops fully withdraw from Gaza and the release of all living hostages held by Hamas, while Israel pushed for an extension of the first phase without committing to end the war or withdraw troops. The US put forth a new proposal that would secure the release of a handful of living hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a month-long extension of the ceasefire, but Hamas rejected it.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with aid and electricity already cut off by Israel, and the enclave in desperate need of critical supplies. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict, with the UN envoy to Israel, Danny Danon, saying that Israel will show "no mercy" while hostages remain in Gaza.