Israel announced a renewed focus on military operations in the Gaza Strip after the two-week ceasefire with Iran expired on June 24, 2025. Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated that "the next priority is to bring home the hostages and cripple Hamas' capabilities."
Since early Wednesday, Israeli fighter jets have launched a series of airstrikes targeting multiple locations in both northern and southern Gaza. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, over 50 civilians, including children, were killed and dozens more injured within the first 24 hours of the attacks. Many victims were struck near food aid distribution centers, prompting condemnation from international humanitarian organizations.
The United Nations and human rights groups emphasize that the total blockade imposed by Israel since March has exacerbated the crisis. Lynn Hastings, the UN Coordinator for Assistance to the Palestinian Territories, warned that "access to clean water, electricity, and medical services is extremely limited. Each hour of strikes compounds the suffering of the civilian population."
Meanwhile, the Israeli government argues that the operation is necessary to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a prisoner exchange. However, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri accused Israel of "genocide" and called on the world to impose an "arms embargo" against Tel Aviv. Several Muslim-majority countries and pro-Palestinian activists across the Middle East have staged demonstrations urging the UN Security Council to take immediate action.
International humanitarian organizations warn that if the escalation persists without pause, Gaza could face mass starvation and a total collapse of its healthcare system. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports that more than 1.2 million people in Gaza now depend entirely on humanitarian aid to survive.
Although some UN diplomats are currently negotiating a cessation of violence, no new agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas. Israeli forces are expected to launch limited ground operations in the coming days.
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