Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the latest wave of airstrikes on Gaza is “only the beginning,” marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The strikes, which broke a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January, have resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths, including many women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The 24-hour period following the renewed offensive has been described as the deadliest since 2023. Israel’s military stated that the strikes were aimed at Hamas targets, but reports from Gaza indicate that residential buildings and medical facilities have been hit, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. International organizations have called for an immediate halt to the violence to prevent further civilian casualties.
Netanyahu Vows to Continue Military Offensive Against Hamas
In a televised address, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas, stating, “This is just the beginning. We will continue to fight to achieve all of our goals in this war.” Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would only negotiate with Hamas “under fire” and would not relent until Hamas was “no longer a threat.”
Netanyahu’s statement signals Israel’s determination to apply maximum military pressure to achieve its strategic objectives. The prime minister Netanyahu highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, linking their freedom directly to the continued offensive. Netanyahu warned that Israel would escalate its military actions until its war aims were fully achieved.
International Condemnation and Calls for Restraint
The resumption of hostilities has sparked strong international condemnation. Egypt, which has played a key role in brokering past ceasefires, labeled the airstrikes a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire agreement and a “dangerous escalation.” Other nations, including France, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, have expressed concern over the renewed violence, warning that it could lead to a broader regional conflict.
The United Nations has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. “The humanitarian situation is catastrophic, and further escalation will only lead to more suffering and loss of innocent lives,” he said.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Hospitals Overwhelmed
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point. Medical facilities, already struggling due to previous attacks, are now overwhelmed by the massive influx of casualties. Rosalia Bollen, a UNICEF spokeswoman stationed in southern Gaza, reported that among the dead were “dozens and dozens of children,” with many more suffering from life-threatening injuries.
She noted that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. “Hospitals have already been decimated by previous strikes and are struggling to treat the growing number of wounded,” Bollen said. The World Health Organization has warned that without immediate humanitarian assistance, the death toll is likely to rise even further.
Fears for Israeli Hostages as Hamas Issues Dire Warning
Families of Israeli hostages have expressed growing concern that the renewed offensive could endanger their loved ones. A campaign group advocating for the hostages accused the Israeli government of “causing the explosion of the ceasefire, which could sacrifice their family members.”
Hamas has also issued a chilling warning, stating that Israel’s escalation would “impose a death sentence” on the remaining hostages. The militant group has hinted that further military action by Israel could lead to severe consequences for those still held captive.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is urging both sides to de-escalate and return to the negotiating table. However, with Netanyahu’s government committed to pressing forward and Hamas vowing retaliation, the prospect of peace appears increasingly distant.
