Israel has launched fresh ground operations in Gaza, issuing what it called a “last warning” to residents of the Palestinian territory to return hostages and remove Hamas from power.
This renewed offensive follows the deadliest wave of Israeli airstrikes since the temporary ceasefire ended in January.
The Israeli military stated that its forces had “begun targeted ground activities in central and southern Gaza over the past day to expand the security zone and create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.”
Civilians flee as bombardment escalates
Despite growing international calls to restore the ceasefire, Israel continued its bombardment, triggering fresh waves of displacement. Long queues of civilians, including families with young children, were seen fleeing northern Gaza toward the south in search of safety.
Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant also delivered a stark message to Gaza’s residents.
“Take the advice of the president of the United States. Return the hostages and remove Hamas, and other options will open up for you—including the possibility of leaving for other places in the world for those who want to,” he said.
His remarks referenced a statement earlier this month by US President Donald Trump, who warned: “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”
Heavy casualties and hostage crisis
At least 470 people have been killed since Israel resumed large-scale airstrikes overnight from Monday to Tuesday, according to the Gaza Civil Defense Agency, as reported by AFP.
The agency also reported that 14 members of a single family had died in an Israeli strike in northern Gaza.
Of the 251 people abducted during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, 58 remain in captivity, including 34 who the Israeli military believes are dead.
Hamas holds its fire, insists on existing ceasefire terms
So far, Hamas has not responded militarily to the latest Israeli strikes. A senior Hamas official said the group remains open to discussions on reviving the ceasefire but rejects any attempt to renegotiate the existing deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
“Hamas has not closed the door on negotiations, but we insist there is no need for new agreements,” spokesman Taher al-Nunu said.
Talks have stalled over how to proceed with the ceasefire, which expired in early March. While Israel and the US seek to extend the first phase of the agreement, Hamas insists on moving to phase two, which includes a long-term ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of more hostages.
“Moving to the second phase seems to be a non-option for Israel,” said political analyst and former Palestinian Authority minister Ghassan Khatib. “They don’t like the second phase because it involves ending the war without necessarily achieving their objective of ending Hamas.”