Israeli airstrikes overnight have killed at least 58 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, according to three hospitals, as the conflict rages on with no clear end in sight. The strikes, which hit multiple homes in the middle of the night, left men, women, and children dead as they slept.
The renewed assault comes as Israel restored a blockade on northern Gaza, warning residents not to use the main highway leading in and out of the area. Only movement to the south via the coastal road is permitted. The blockade had been lifted following the January ceasefire, which saw hundreds of thousands of Palestinians return to their destroyed homes in northern Gaza.
Ceasefire Shattered, Heavy Casualties Mount
The latest strikes follow Israel’s resumption of heavy bombardments on Tuesday, breaking the fragile truce that had allowed for the release of more than two dozen hostages. Israeli officials blamed Hamas for the renewed fighting, accusing the group of rejecting a revised peace proposal.
The Trump administration, which had taken credit for brokering the ceasefire, has voiced full support for Israel. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that more than 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed on Tuesday alone, making it one of the deadliest days in the war.
A ‘Bloody Night’ in Beit Lahiya
Hospitals in Gaza have been overwhelmed by the casualties. The European Hospital in Rafah received 36 bodies, mostly women and children, while Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported seven deaths, and the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza counted 19 fatalities from Israeli strikes in Beit Lahiya.
“It was a bloody night for the people of Beit Lahiya,” said Fares Awad, head of Gaza’s emergency services, adding that rescuers were still pulling bodies from the rubble.
One of the deadliest strikes hit the Abu Daqa family’s home in Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis. At least 16 people, including a father and his seven children, were killed. A month-old baby survived with her grandparents, but both her parents and brother perished.
Ground Troops Advance, Israel Reimposes Restrictions
On Wednesday, Israeli ground troops re-entered Gaza for the first time since the ceasefire, seizing control of part of the Netzarim corridor, which separates the northern and southern regions of the enclave. The Israeli military’s statement about restricting movement suggests it will soon retake full control of the corridor, further cutting off access to humanitarian aid and essential supplies.
Israel has also cut off food, fuel, and aid to Gaza’s two million residents, vowing to intensify its campaign until Hamas releases the 59 remaining hostages 35 of whom are believed dead and relinquishes control of the territory.
No End in Sight for the 17-Month War
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, has resulted in one of the deadliest and most destructive conflicts in recent history. Hamas took 251 hostages during the attack, most of whom have since been freed through ceasefire deals or military operations.
Israel’s counteroffensive has killed nearly 49,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with more than half of the casualties being women and children. Israel claims it has eliminated 20,000 militants, though it has not provided evidence.
With hostilities reigniting, the possibility of a lasting peace looks more distant than ever, leaving millions of Palestinians trapped in a worsening humanitarian disaster.
