Israel resumes ground operations in Gaza as airstrikes continue

CAIRO/JERUSALEM. The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that its forces had resumed ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip, following two days of intensified airstrikes that have killed at least 48 Palestinians, according to local health workers.

The renewed offensive comes a day after more than 400 Palestinians were killed in one of the deadliest airstrike campaigns since the conflict began in October 2023, effectively shattering a ceasefire that had largely held since January.

Israeli Military Expands Control Over Gaza Corridor

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the ground maneuvers were aimed at expanding control over the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic route that bisects Gaza. The military described this as a “focused operation” intended to create a partial buffer zone between the northern and southern parts of the enclave.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian militant group Hamas condemned the operation, calling it a “new and dangerous violation” of the ceasefire agreement. In a statement, the group urged international mediators to “assume their responsibilities” and reaffirmed its commitment to the truce.

UN Worker Killed in Gaza Strike

The United Nations (UN) reported that an airstrike on Wednesday killed a foreign UN staffer and injured five others at a UN compound in central Gaza City. The Gaza Health Ministry attributed the strike to Israel, but the Israeli military denied responsibility, stating it had targeted a Hamas site that was preparing to launch attacks on Israeli territory.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), criticized the attack, stating:

“Israel knew that this was a UN premises, that people were living, staying, and working there. It is a compound. It is a very well-known place.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and called for a full investigation, noting that at least 280 UN staff members had been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry later confirmed that a Bulgarian national working for the UN was among the casualties, citing preliminary reports.

U.S. Pushes for Ceasefire Extension

As the fighting escalates, the U.S. State Department placed blame on Hamas for breaking the ceasefire and reiterated its call for a “bridge” proposal that would extend the truce and facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza.

A State Department spokesperson warned:

“The opportunity is still there, but it’s closing fast.”

He added that Hamas’ response to the proposal had been “totally unacceptable”, and reaffirmed that the United States stands with Israel.

Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens

According to local health workers, Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday resulted in numerous civilian casualties:

• Four people were killed, and 10 others were wounded in an airstrike on a residential house in Beit Hanoun.
• A separate airstrike in Beit Lahiya struck a mourning tent, killing 24 people, according to medical sources.

The Israeli army also dropped new leaflets ordering evacuations in both northern and southern Gaza.

Escalation Sparks Protests in Israel

The renewed military campaign has triggered protests inside Israel, as at least 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with 24 of them believed to be still alive.

A coalition of hostage families and government critics has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using the war for political purposes.

International Response

• France and Germany joined Qatar and Egypt in condemning the renewed military operations.
• Jordan’s King Abdullah, during a visit to Paris, called for the restoration of the ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid flows.
• Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning, stating:

“If the hostages are not released, Israel will act with force you have not yet seen.”

As tensions mount, both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement, leaving Gaza’s 2.3 million residents facing further devastation amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.