Ceasefire in Tatters: Israeli Military Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza Amid Renewed Clashes with Hamas

The Israeli military announced Wednesday that it had initiated “targeted ground activities” in Gaza, recapturing key strategic territory following an aerial bombardment that ended a two-month-old ceasefire with Hamas. The operation, which Israel described as necessary for expanding a security buffer, comes amid heightened tensions and heavy casualties across the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its troops had moved into the central and southern regions of Gaza, with particular emphasis on the Netzarim Corridor, a strip of land that bisects the enclave. The military justified the move as part of a broader effort to establish a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.

The escalation follows accusations from Israel that Hamas “repeatedly” refused to release hostages and rejected mediation efforts. Hamas, however, blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for unilaterally disrupting the truce, claiming that the renewed hostilities placed hostages in greater danger.

Heavy Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns

Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesperson, Mahmoud Basal, reported that at least 70 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday alone, with casualties concentrated in northern and central Gaza, as well as the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. Additional reports from Beit Lahia confirmed that an Israeli strike on a funeral home resulted in 24 deaths, while another attack in Gaza City’s Al-Sabra neighborhood killed 21 people, including six children.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes claimed over 400 lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, marking one of the deadliest days since the conflict began. The rising death toll has exacerbated concerns about the humanitarian crisis, with Gaza’s Civil Defense warning that the blockade of aid has pushed the territory to the brink of famine.

UN Worker Killed Amid Rising International Scrutiny

The United Nations confirmed that one of its aid workers was killed in an attack at a UN guesthouse in central Gaza, while five others sustained injuries. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) stated that the guesthouse had been hit multiple times in recent days. Footage from the scene revealed significant structural damage, with independent arms experts suggesting the impact was likely caused by an Israeli M339 tank projectile.

The Israeli military denied targeting the UN facility but did not provide an alternative explanation for the attack. International humanitarian organizations have condemned the incident, citing potential violations of international law concerning the protection of aid workers and civilian infrastructure.

Political Fallout and Domestic Unrest in Israel

The renewed conflict has ignited fresh protests within Israel, with thousands of demonstrators gathering outside the Knesset in Jerusalem to voice opposition to Netanyahu’s handling of the war. Critics accuse the prime minister of leveraging military escalation to maintain his fragile governing coalition. The protests, which intensified following reports of Netanyahu’s plans to dismiss Shin Bet security chief Ronen Bar, resulted in clashes with police and multiple arrests.

Strategic Implications and Uncertain Future

Under the terms of January’s ceasefire, Israel had withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor, allowing displaced Palestinians to move through the strip. However, the latest military operations signal a reversal of that agreement, raising questions about the feasibility of future diplomatic resolutions.

While Israeli officials insist that military pressure is the most effective means of securing the release of remaining hostages, the offensive has prompted global concerns over civilian casualties and the broader humanitarian fallout. With no immediate signs of de-escalation, the conflict appears poised to enter a prolonged and unpredictable phase, with both sides locked in an increasingly destructive cycle of retaliation.