At least 13 people have been killed in air strikes across Gaza overnight as Israel resumed combat operations in the Palestinian territory. Two civilians were killed and five others injured when an Israeli drone hit a tent near the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone. Israel’s army said it targeted a Hamas military site and hit vessels controlled by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that fighting would resume “in full force” and that this was “just the beginning.” Despite the bombing not being as extensive as previous attacks, it shows no let-up in Israel’s fresh assault. Tuesday’s strikes were the heaviest since a fragile ceasefire and hostage exchange deal came into effect on 19 January, and tensions have increased as negotiations on the second stage of the deal have stalled. Netanyahu’s decision to resume fighting has been criticized by families of hostages, stating that it shows the government has given up on their loved ones. Egypt, a mediator in talks, has condemned the fresh strikes as a “blatant” violation of the ceasefire. Hamas has confirmed the deaths of several of its leaders, including its de facto head of government, Essam a-Da’lees, and Islamic Jihad has confirmed the death of its prominent spokesman, Abu Hamza. The strikes have resulted in a high number of civilian deaths, including many children, and regional mediators are pushing Hamas to release some of the Israeli hostages in exchange for de-escalation. However, Netanyahu has stated that all ceasefire talks will take place “under fire.” The 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel saw about 1,200 people killed and 251 hostages taken. Israel’s military response has resulted in the deaths of more than 48,500 Palestinians and large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8mpl4mk4go