The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it has intensified its operations in the Gaza Strip, striking more than 100 “terror targets” over the past 48 hours. According to the military, these strikes targeted locations linked to recent projectile launches by Palestinian militants. The operations reportedly eliminated dozens of Hamas operatives, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) stated.
Rising Death Toll in Gaza
In response, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported significant casualties, with over 30 people killed on Saturday alone. The strikes come amid ongoing violence that has persisted despite recent efforts for a ceasefire. The latest attacks have triggered air raid sirens in Israeli communities still reeling from the October 2023 Hamas assault.
Renewed Violence Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
While rocket launches from Gaza have become less frequent compared to the early days of the 15-month-long conflict, the recent spate of attacks underscores escalating tensions. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz recently warned of intensified military responses should rocket fire continue.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are underway in an attempt to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. These mediators have been working for months to broker an agreement to end the prolonged conflict and mitigate further loss of life.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with rising casualties and limited progress in diplomatic efforts. Both sides have shown little inclination toward de-escalation, keeping the region on edge.
