After breaking the ceasefire with Hamas on Tuesday, Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes that continued into Wednesday, albeit at a reduced scale. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have strengthened their control over the Netzarim Corridor, a key route separating northern and southern Gaza, further escalating the offensive.
Israel Reinforces Ground Control
The Israeli military stated that it had expanded its hold on the Netzarim Corridor as part of its ongoing ground operations. Calling it a “focused” maneuver, the military said the move aims to establish a partial buffer zone between Gaza’s north and south.
On Wednesday, Israel’s Defense Minister issued a stark warning, stating that attacks on Gaza would escalate “with an intensity that you have not known” unless Hamas releases hostages and relinquishes control of the region.
Hundreds Killed in Deadliest Day Since War Began
Tuesday was recorded as the deadliest day in Gaza in the past 17 months of conflict, with over 400 Palestinian casualties, nearly two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Later that evening, an airstrike targeted a condolence gathering in Beit Lahiya’s Salateen area, claiming the lives of multiple members of the same family. Fares Awad, head of Gaza’s emergency services, confirmed that among the victims were two children aged 11 and 16, along with a 65-year-old man and his two sons.
Earlier on Wednesday, a separate airstrike killed at least five people in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, according to Palestinian first responders.
UN Responds to the Attacks
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, reminded both parties of their obligations under international law.
“The locations of all UN premises are known to the parties to the conflict, who are bound by international law to protect them,” Guterres stated.
While reports initially suggested an Israeli strike on a compound, Israel has since denied targeting the facility. There have been no confirmed Hamas rocket attacks since Israel ended the ceasefire on Tuesday.
The situation remains volatile as the conflict escalates, with global leaders calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further civilian casualties.
