The Israeli military is currently conducting extensive airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. According to a spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defence agency, as many as 34 Palestinians have been killed and 70 others injured as a result of these strikes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assert that they are targeting Hamas-terror sites within the Gaza Strip.

This wave of airstrikes marks the largest since a ceasefire was established on January 19. Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire, however, have been unsuccessful thus far. Three houses were hit in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, a building in Gaza City, and targets were also hit in Khan Younis and Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the strikes, stating it was in response to Hamas refusing to release hostages and rejecting proposals from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.

The plan for the strikes, reported by IDF over the weekend, received approval from political leadership. The strikes were also discussed with US President Donald Trump’s administration ahead of time. The aim of the strikes is to increase military action against Hamas.

The latest conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack in southern Israel resulting in the death of more than 1,200 people and the abduction of 251. The Israeli military’s subsequent response has killed more than 48,520 individuals, many of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry. The Gaza Strip’s infrastructure has suffered greatly, with most buildings damaged or destroyed, and challenges in healthcare, water, and sanitation. The population of the Gaza Strip, estimated to be 2.1 million, has faced numerous displacements, and there are severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vy3k4dpz0o