77

Israeli forces have killed at least 92 Palestinians and wounded more than 200 during two days of intensified military operations across Gaza. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has defended the ongoing offensive, stating that Israel will not stop until specific objectives are achieved. These objectives include dismantling Hamas, freeing all hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel’s security.

Netanyahu Defends Military Action Amid Growing Domestic Pressure

Prime Minister Netanyahu remains resolute, stating that Israel “must continue” its military efforts until Hamas is fully dismantled. He also blamed Hamas for rejecting Israel’s latest truce offer, which proposed releasing half of the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. Netanyahu’s government has come under increasing domestic pressure as the war drags on. Protesters filled the streets of Tel Aviv, calling for the immediate release of hostages and criticizing the military’s strategy.

Families of hostages and former Israeli soldiers voiced frustration over the collapse of the most recent ceasefire, which had been brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Israel had resumed full-scale military operations after breaking the truce on March 18, leading to further airstrikes and ground assaults. Since then, nearly 1,800 people have been killed and almost 4,700 others wounded in Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Gaza Blockade Continues

The ongoing blockade of Gaza has significantly worsened the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 51,157 people have died since the war began, with women and children making up over two-thirds of the verified fatalities. The United Nations has confirmed the devastating toll on civilians.

Israel’s blockade, which has blocked aid and food deliveries to Gaza for more than six weeks, continues to intensify the crisis. Thousands of children in Gaza are suffering from severe malnutrition, while many families are surviving on fewer than one meal per day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the U.S. Ambassador, Mike Huckabee, to press Israel to allow life-saving aid into Gaza. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s regional director, warned that critical medical supplies are stuck outside the enclave, unable to reach those in desperate need.

The Roots of the Conflict: The October 2023 Hamas Attack

The current conflict stems from the deadly Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. During this attack, Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, and kidnapped 251 hostages. Since then, multiple ceasefire deals have resulted in the release of many hostages, although Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages. Of these, 24 are believed to be alive, according to Israeli intelligence sources.

Despite the release of some hostages, Israel insists that Hamas must be fully disarmed before agreeing to any further ceasefires. Hamas, on the other hand, demands a full military withdrawal from Gaza before agreeing to discussions about a truce.

A Stalemate with No Resolution in Sight

Both sides remain locked in a deadly stalemate, with no resolution in sight. As military operations continue and casualties rise, the situation remains dire for those caught in the middle of the conflict.

With public opinion shifting within Israel and growing international concern, the pressure on Netanyahu and his government to reconsider the military campaign’s long-term objectives is mounting. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, and with it, calls for a comprehensive ceasefire grow louder.