ZIMSPHERE
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip – In the deadliest escalation since January’s fragile ceasefire, Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, targeting what it described as “dozens of Hamas sites.” However, the strikes resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians, including numerous women and children, according to hospital records. The attacks shattered a fragile calm during Ramadan, reigniting a 17-month conflict that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the assault, stating that Israel “will act with increasing military strength” after Hamas allegedly refused to extend negotiations for the release of remaining hostages. Talks had stalled over Hamas’ demand for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, conditions Israel rejected. The White House supported Netanyahu, blaming Hamas for “choosing war” by refusing to release hostages. US envoy Steve Witkoff warned Hamas to release captives “or pay a severe price,” but mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the US ultimately failed.
Hospitals in Gaza, already struggling under months of bombardment and aid shortages, were overwhelmed. At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, AP journalists witnessed bloodied children screaming as medics rushed to treat the wounded. In Rafah, a strike destroyed a home, killing 17 members of a single family, including five children. “Nobody wants to fight. Everyone is still suffering from the previous months,” said Gaza City resident Nidal Alzaanin, reflecting the widespread despair.
The death toll, compiled from seven hospitals, is expected to rise as rescuers search through rubble. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. While most hostages were freed in earlier deals, 59 remain in Gaza, with 35 presumed dead.
The airstrikes followed Israel’s decision in February to halt all food, fuel, and aid shipments to Gaza, using starvation as a tactic to pressure Hamas. Displaced families, many of whom had recently returned to destroyed homes, now face renewed bombardment. A potential ground offensive threatens even greater devastation, as civilians lack safe zones after abandoning earlier tent encampments.
Netanyahu is facing growing anger in Israel over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet security agency, widely viewed as an attempt to divert attention from his government’s failures. Released hostages and their families have led mass protests demanding a ceasefire to bring all captives home. “We will not stop fighting until all hostages are home,” Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, vowing to open “the gates of hell” in Gaza.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of sabotaging negotiations and endangering hostages, calling on mediators to hold Israel “fully responsible.” Palestinian officials and human rights groups condemned the strikes as collective punishment. “The international community faces a moral test,” said Hamas official Taher Nunu, urging action to stop Israel’s “crimes.”
With both sides entrenched—Israel vowing to dismantle Hamas, and Hamas demanding an end to the occupation—the war’s toll continues to rise. As the call to prayer echoed over Gaza’s ruins during Ramadan, the territory’s 2 million residents braced for more suffering. “We are trapped in a cycle of death,” said a nurse at Al-Aqsa Hospital. “When will the world see us as human?”
(with reporting from news agencies)
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