Escalating Violence: Israel Resumes Gaza Offensive as Hamas Responds with Rocket Attacks

On Thursday, Hamas launched rockets into Israel from Gaza, marking its first military response since Israel resumed its offensive. The renewed violence shattered a fragile two-month ceasefire between the two sides.

Renewed Hostilities and Mounting Casualties

Israel resumed air and ground attacks on Gaza on Tuesday, initially launching airstrikes before sending in ground forces the next day. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, the offensive has resulted in over 500 deaths, including 200 children.

In retaliation, Hamas fired three rockets toward central Israel. The Israeli military confirmed that one rocket was intercepted, while the other two landed in unpopulated areas, causing no reported injuries. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it targeted Tel Aviv with a barrage of M90 rockets in response to Israel’s continued bombardment.

Meanwhile, overnight, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who Iran backs, also launched a ballistic missile at Israel. It was the second attack from the group since the ceasefire collapsed. The Israeli military reported intercepting the missile before it could cause any damage.

Blame Game Over Ceasefire Breakdown

The Israeli government has blamed Hamas for the renewed fighting, accusing the militant group of rejecting revised ceasefire proposals. Hamas, in turn, has held Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible, alleging he deliberately disrupted the truce, endangering hostages held by the group.

Critics of Netanyahu argue that he reignited the war for political gain, aiming to solidify his fragile governing coalition. The prime minister has been under intense pressure from the public and political allies regarding his conflict handling.

Shortly after Israel resumed its airstrikes, far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced his return to Netanyahu’s ruling coalition. Ben-Gvir had previously withdrawn from the government in January after Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas. Speaking at a National Security Ministry meeting on Thursday, he expressed satisfaction at returning after a two-month absence.

His return strengthens Netanyahu’s position as he faces an upcoming deadline to pass Israel’s national budget by March 31. Failure to do so could trigger new elections, further complicating the political landscape.

Intensified Attacks and Ground Operations

Israel has continued its heavy bombardment of Gaza, with Palestinian officials reporting at least 85 additional deaths since early Thursday. The health ministry in Gaza warned that the death toll could rise further as many victims remain trapped under collapsed buildings.

Israeli forces also announced they had regained control of the Netzarim Corridor, a key area that divides northern and central Gaza from the southern region near Egypt.

New Ground Offensive in Northern Gaza

On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched another ground assault, this time in northern Gaza. The military stated that troops were advancing along the coastal route near Beit Lahia.

Before the ground incursion, the IDF carried out airstrikes in Beit Lahia, targeting what it described as Hamas infrastructure and anti-tank missile sites. Palestinian officials reported that over 50 people were killed in the strikes, including 15 members of the Abu Nasr family in the Al-Salatin neighborhood.

Mufida Abu Nasr, a resident of Beit Lahia, described the terror she experienced when the airstrikes began during suhoor, the pre-dawn meal Muslims eat before fasting in Ramadan.

“My children were screaming, and I was terrified because I had already lost my son just 40 days ago,” she said. “When we went outside, we saw that our relatives and neighbors had been killed.”

A Conflict Without Resolution in Sight