NEW DELHI: Israeli air raids on Gaza on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 70 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Gaza’s emergency services, as cited by Al Jazeera. The assaults coincide with Israeli ground forces advancing further into the enclave, securing control over a section of the strategic Netzarim passage—a key route dividing northern and southern Gaza—amid escalating violence. The Israeli military, which had previously withdrawn from the corridor during a fragile ceasefire with Hamas, has now directed civilians to vacate the “combat area.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz issued a stern ultimatum to Gaza’s population, calling it their “final opportunity” to facilitate the release of hostages abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, incursion and to remove the militant faction from power. He urged compliance with earlier calls from U.S. President Joe Biden, suggesting that displaced Palestinians could “relocate to other countries” if conditions were met. Katz warned that the recent strikes were “only the beginning,” pledging intensified military operations to pressure Hamas into surrendering and freeing captives.
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Gaza’s health ministry reported a sharp increase in casualties since Tuesday, with at least 436 Palestinians killed—including 183 children and 94 women—and 678 wounded. The rising toll highlights the severe humanitarian impact as violence flares anew.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanou denounced Israel’s renewed occupation of the Netzarim passage, accusing it of laying the groundwork for an extended blockade aimed at choking off humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, Yemen fired a missile toward Israel in response, though it was intercepted before reaching its destination.
Attempts to prolong an initial ceasefire—meant to halt over 15 months of bloodshed—collapsed after Israel sought an extension of the temporary truce while Hamas insisted on a lasting cessation of hostilities. The deadlock has reignited fears of a prolonged and devastating conflict in the region.