Gaza Strip – At least 91 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured Thursday as Israel launched a renewed wave of air and ground operations across Gaza, officially ending a two-month ceasefire.
The Israeli military resumed its campaign earlier this week, first with massive airstrikes that killed over 400 people on Tuesday alone—one of the deadliest days since the conflict began. By Thursday, ground troops had advanced into key areas in central and northern Gaza, including Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Gaza City’s Shejaia district.
“War is back, displacement and death are back,” said Samed Sami, a 29-year-old from Shejaia, who fled with his family to makeshift tents.
Leaflets dropped by Israeli aircraft urged civilians to evacuate targeted zones, while Israel imposed restrictions on travel along the vital Salahuddin road, instead directing movement toward coastal routes.
Hamas Responds, Calls on Mediators
After 48 hours of silence, Hamas said its fighters began firing rockets into Israel. The group condemned the Israeli ground incursions and accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement. While it reiterated its commitment to a permanent truce, Israel insisted its renewed campaign was intended to force the release of hostages and dismantle Hamas operations.
Israel’s latest push aims to expand the Netzarim corridor, effectively separating Gaza’s northern and southern regions. The operation has also reportedly killed several top Hamas figures, including security leaders and ministers from the Hamas-run Gaza government.
Civilians Flee Amid Widespread Devastation
Families already displaced by months of war were once again forced to flee.
“We don’t want war, we don’t want death. Enough, we are fed up,” said Huda Junaid, who fled the ruins of her home with her family using a donkey cart.
Eyewitnesses reported Israeli tanks and bulldozers advancing westward along the Salahuddin road, firing at vehicles.
Rising Toll in Prolonged War
The conflict, which began in October 2023 after Hamas attacked Israeli communities—killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages—has since claimed over 49,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health officials.
Despite calls from international mediators, no agreement has been reached to revive the ceasefire.