Israeli military forces intensified their operations in Gaza on Sunday, seizing more territory and issuing new evacuation orders to residents who had recently returned home. The decision to renew the assault followed failed negotiations to extend a temporary truce that took effect in mid-January. The latest strikes and evacuations are affecting various areas, including Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, where troops aim to expand a buffer zone.

Although the Israeli authorities claim to target Hamas infrastructure and allow evacuations, the situation is dire during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Thousands are being displaced amidst a severe shortage of essentials due to border closures. Residents are being forced to flee on foot, leaving them without shelter or basic necessities.

Gaza’s health ministry reported on Sunday that bombings resulted in 39 deaths and 61 injuries over the past day. Hamas confirmed the death of a senior political member, Salah al-Bardawil, along with his wife, in an Israeli strike on their tent, which was in a designated humanitarian zone.

The military operations and evacuation orders have put over 50,000 people in Rafah at imminent risk, as reported by the Palestinian Civil Defense. The situation for humanitarian workers is also precarious, as the Palestinian Red Crescent has lost contact with ambulances and personnel in Rafah, reportedly due to Israeli fire.

The Israeli government justifies their actions as a means to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages captured during the October 2023 attack and to weaken the group’s capabilities. However, the recent escalations have not garnered the same national support as the initial war efforts and have raised concerns about the military’s ability to achieve new objectives.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/23/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-rafah.html