Israel resumes ground operations in Gaza amid renewed airstrikes and cease-fire talks

The Israeli military announced the resumption of ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip, following a wave of airstrikes that, according to local health officials, have killed at least 48 Palestinians.

The escalation comes after a brief ceasefire that largely held since January was shattered, leading to renewed violence between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli military moves into central, southern Gaza

The Israeli army announced Wednesday that it had re-established control over the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic passage that effectively bisects the Gaza Strip.

According to the statement, this “maneuver” is aimed at creating a partial buffer zone between the northern and southern regions of the enclave.

The renewed ground offensive follows a day of intense airstrikes, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 400 deaths in what has been described as one of the deadliest episodes of the conflict. Israel has stated that the strikes were targeting Hamas military commanders, infrastructure, and launch sites.

Hamas condemned the Israeli incursion into the Netzarim Corridor, calling it a “new and dangerous violation” of the ceasefire agreement. The group urged mediators to intervene and restore the truce.

Airstrike on UN site kills foreign staffer

The United Nations reported that a strike hit one of its facilities in central Gaza City, killing a foreign staff member and injuring five others. Gaza’s health ministry attributed the attack to Israel, while the Israeli army denied responsibility, stating that its target was a Hamas site preparing for an attack on Israeli territory.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the U.N. Office for Project Services, stated:
“Israel knew that this was a U.N. premises and that people were living, staying, and working there. It is a well-known place.”

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack and called for a full investigation. The death toll of U.N. personnel in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, now stands at least 280, according to U.N. sources.

Hostage crisis and Washington’s ‘bridge’ proposal

The United States continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, with a State Department spokesperson saying a U.S.-crafted “bridge” proposal remains on the table.

The plan seeks to extend the ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a de-escalation of Israeli military operations.

“The opportunity is still there, but it’s closing fast,” the spokesperson said, adding that Hamas’ response to negotiations has been “totally unacceptable.”

Israel has stated that the military offensive will continue until all hostages are released. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning: “If the hostages are not freed, Israel will act with force you have not yet seen.”

Mounting civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns

Palestinian health officials reported that an Israeli airstrike killed 24 people in a mourning tent in Beit Lahiya, while another attack in Beit Hanoun resulted in four deaths and 10 injuries.

The health ministry in Gaza says the total death toll since Oct. 7 exceeds 49,000, with most of them being civilians.

The ongoing blockade of essential supplies, including food, water, and fuel, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Protests in Israel over war and hostages

The renewed military offensive has sparked protests within Israel.

Families of hostages still held in Gaza, along with political opponents of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have staged demonstrations calling for a renewed ceasefire and negotiations to bring their loved ones home.

A protest leader in Tel Aviv addressed the crowd, stating, “Netanyahu has opened the gates of hell on the hostages, and only together can we save them!”

International reactions and diplomatic efforts

Western nations, including France and Germany, as well as regional actors such as Qatar, Türkiye and Egypt, have condemned the resurgence of violence.

Jordan’s King Abdullah warned that Israel’s actions could destabilize the region and called for an immediate restoration of the cease-fire.