Israeli forces have resumed their bombardment of the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of more than 180 people and hundreds of others wounded, according to Palestinian officials. The attacks come after a week-long truce expired and have intensified in the eastern areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. As the deadline lapsed, columns of smoke rose into the sky, and residents were forced to search for shelter further west, with belongings heaped in carts.
Sirens blared across southern Israel as militants fired rockets from the Gaza Strip into towns. Hamas claimed to have targeted Tel Aviv, but no casualties or damage were reported. Gaza health officials reported that Israeli air strikes had killed 184 people, wounded at least 589 others, and hit over 20 houses. In response, the Israeli military dropped leaflets urging civilians to flee to avoid the fighting. However, rights groups, including Doctors Without Borders, have warned that there are no safe places in Gaza due to the indiscriminate bombing and continued fighting.
The United Nations has described the situation as an extreme humanitarian emergency, with the spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office in Geneva, Jens Laerke, stating that “Hell on Earth has returned to Gaza.” The Palestinian Red Crescent (PRCS) has reported that Israeli forces have prohibited the entry of aid trucks via the Rafah crossing, exacerbating the suffering of citizens and increasing the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in alleviating hardships caused by the ongoing aggression.
Gaza’s government media office has called on Arab and Muslim states to urgently establish field hospitals in the besieged enclave to save “tens of thousands of injured people.” They have also requested a large number of aid trucks and fuel to address the needs of over 250,000 families who have lost their homes.
Both sides involved in the conflict have blamed each other for the collapse of the truce. The pause, which began on November 24 and had been extended twice, ended when mediators failed to find a formula to release more hostages, including Israeli soldiers and civilian men. Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has been involved in mediation efforts. Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, stated that negotiations were still ongoing but that Israel’s renewed bombardment had complicated their efforts.
The United States, represented by Press Secretary John Kirby, expressed disappointment that their efforts to extend the ceasefire were not successful. The US is pushing for the release of captives and the delivery of more humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Egypt has also stated that it is working to reinstate the truce as soon as possible.
The overall death toll from the conflict stands at over 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7, including more than 6,000 children. In Israel, the official death toll is approximately 1,200.
The resumption of Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip has escalated the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Urgent international action is needed to protect civilians and provide much-needed aid to those affected by the conflict.
