Over the past few days, hundreds have been killed in a series of airstrikes in Gaza. The barrage of attacks has been accompanied by ground operations under besieged siege after putting the Middle East in crisis since the attack in October 2023.
Targeting Israel’s main infrastructure, half a dozen Hamas leaders were wiped out and a relentless campaign against Hamas continued. In one instance, more than dozens of lives were advocated among mourners who were gathering in the northern region. Another bombing killed 14 members of the family together, Gaza’s civil defense agency said.
Ground operations alongside airstrikes show that the Israelis are planning to return to full-scale war despite attempts to take away new ceasefire contracts to reclaim those still being held hostage by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that this was “only the beginning,” and claimed that such negotiations “will only take place under fire.”
Israel appears to be encouraged by US support in returning to war – the White House declares that the US was consulted before the airstrike barrage hit Gaza on Tuesday. Israel has put hostages in danger and has fought back against Hamas, which has been ruling Gaza since 2007.
Ground operation details
The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said it had carried out a “massive strike” throughout the Gaza Strip last night, targeting two Hamas operatives and vehicles responsible for surveillance posts among other critical infrastructure.
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“The IDF and ISA (Israel Security Agency) have surprised terrorist targets across the Gaza Strip, and will continue to operate against terrorist organisations and remove the threat to Israeli citizens,” he said on his telegram channel last night.
Israeli forces have launched ground operations in central and southern Gaza on the past day to expand their “security zones.” The aim was to create a partial buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. As part of the ground operation, Israeli forces further expanded control to the centre of the Netzarim corridor, officials said.
“At the same time, it has been decided that the Golani Brigade will be stationed at Southern Command and ready for operation in Gaza,” the IDF said.
Key Elimination
At the same time, in airstrikes, Israeli forces targeted dozens of Hamas members, including its commander-in-chief, with the aim of fulfilling their pledge to undermine the military and government capabilities of Palestinian groups.
One of their targets was the command center of Daraj Taffa Battalion in Hamas, which they claimed was used to plan an attack on Israeli civilians.
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One of these strikes argued for the life of Yassar Muhammad Herb Musa, who was in charge of security issues in the Politburo of Hamas. He previously headed the Executive Committee’s development office. The IDF accuses him of promoting anti-Israel activities and working closely with senior Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar.
The IDF also claims it has eliminated the head of Hamas Emergency Committee Muhammad al-Jamasi, who has established a significant position in the Politburo and played a key role in the war with Israel.
Others killed in the strike include Essam al-Daris, head of Hamas government, and Mahmoud Marzuk Ahmad Abu Wuthfa, who is allegedly responsible for Hamas international security equipment. His Justice Minister Ahmed Amal Abdullah Alhata was eliminated alongside Bahajat Hassan Mohammed Abu Sultan, who led the Palestinian costumed internal security forces.
The number of deaths since the resumption of the massive airstrikes on Monday and Tuesday was around 470.
Israel’s “last warning”
Israel issued a “final warning” before launching a fatal airstrike, urging residents to return the hostages Hamas held. “This is the last warning,” warned that Defense Minister Israel Katz had requested the return of hostages.
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“Take the advice of the President of the United States. Return the hostages and remove Hamas. Other options will be opened for you.
At least 58 Israeli citizens are believed to be under Hamas custody, even after dozens of people were released as part of the ceasefire. However, Hamas claims that 34 of them have died.
While attempts to sign a second ceasefire contract to regain the hostages, Israel refused to stop the bombing for negotiations. Both sides saw a brief halt in the fire during the first ceasefire, which came into effect in January and was mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt, which ended in early March.
