Since the truce between Israel and Hamas was broken on Tuesday, there have been nearly 600 Palestinian fatalities.
ADVERTISEMENTIsraeli forces have advanced into the Gaza Strip and destroyed the only specialized cancer hospital in the region as violence continues.
Israeli leaders have announced plans to continue their efforts to capture more territory until Hamas releases its remaining hostages.
The hospital was located in the Netzarim Corridor, which splits Gaza in two and was controlled by Israel for most of the war. The truce had provided relative calm and led to the release of over two dozen hostages.
The Israeli military claims Hamas militants were operating in the hospital, and Turkey, which funded the hospital, says Israeli troops previously occupied it as a base.
Dr. Zaki Al-Zaqzouq, the head of oncology at the hospital, rejects this, stating that it served as a life-saving facility for many patients.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemns the destruction and accuses Israel of deliberately attempting to make Gaza uninhabitable and uprooting its people.
Hospitals are typically protected under international law unless used for military purposes, though operations against them must be proportionate. Critics argue that Israel systematically destroys Gaza’s healthcare system.
Israel’s renewed military campaign may be even more lethal and destructive than before and aims to capture wider territories with few constraints.
Defense Minister Israel Katz states that operations will continue with increased intensity until Hamas releases its hostages.
The Israeli military warns Palestinians to evacuate certain neighborhoods as they plan further assaults.
Additionally, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have continued to fire missiles, with the Israeli military intercepting them.
Court postpones Netanyahu’s firing of top security official
In Israel, a power struggle has emerged with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempting to fire the head of the Shin Bet security service, Ronen Bar, who is backed by thousands of Israelis. Netanyahu’s office claims it has the legal right to do so.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Supreme Court has temporarily halted the dismissal until an appeal is heard.
Netanyahu is under criticism for his stance, and there are concerns about a potential government power crisis.
Netanyahu blames the army and security agencies for the Oct 7, 2023 Hamas attack that led to the current conflict and has resisted an official state inquiry.
Hundreds killed in Gaza since ceasefire collapse
Since the ceasefire’s end, Israel has continued its war with pre-dawn airstrikes across Gaza, coinciding with the start of Ramadan.
Before the ceasefire, Israel restricted supplies to Gaza to pressure Hamas during negotiations.
The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas killed over 1,200 people and took hostages. Most have been freed, with some still held by Hamas.
Israel’s response has reportedly led to the deaths of over 49,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
