For nearly 60 days, a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas allowed residents of Gaza to avoid counting the dead as hostages were released and supplies returned to markets. However, on Tuesday, Israeli warplanes resumed bombardments across the Gaza Strip after weeks of unsuccessful negotiations to extend the cease-fire.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 400 individuals were killed in the strikes, including 130 children, as reported by the U.N. Children’s Fund. The airstrikes reportedly targeted shelters where families were sleeping, leading to one of the deadliest single-day tolls since the conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023.
The Israeli military's response has had devastating consequences for Gaza, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Survivors continued their search for the wounded and deceased following the latest airstrikes, which commenced before dawn on Tuesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes were ordered due to Hamas's “repeated refusal” to release the remaining 59 hostages. In a public address, he indicated that Israel would continue its military actions alongside negotiations with Hamas, declaring, “This is just the beginning.”
In the aftermath of the strikes, some Gazans went to morgues to identify missing relatives while others hurriedly buried the dead. Traditional mourning practices have become increasingly perilous, forcing many to conduct prayers quickly and in concealed locations.
With only a few hospitals operating, survivors attempted to provide treatment to the injured. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of child casualties, and while some critically injured children have been evacuated for medical care, current border closures limit assistance options to within Gaza.
Local officials report that over 48,000 people have died in Gaza since the onset of the conflict. Palestinians have mourned in makeshift locations, often outside hospitals or among the ruins of their homes.
The Israeli military confirmed that its operations targeted Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad sites across Gaza. Following the cease-fire, Hamas publicly showcased its influence in Gaza, which included ceremonies for hostage releases that provoked anger among Israelis. The military justified its strikes as a means to thwart planned attacks against Israelis.
Israel has previously stated that militants have used shelters as operational bases, claiming efforts are made to limit civilian casualties. Nevertheless, recent strikes included at least one tent housing displaced individuals in Khan Younis, where many sought refuge.
As the cease-fire ended on March 1, tensions escalated, with the Israeli government halting aid and cutting electricity supplies, forcing Gazans to search for firewood among the debris of their homes. Scarcity of food and fuel has led to inflated prices, with bread being sold at three times its original cost.
The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders, warning residents of neighborhoods targeted for strikes. Many families resumed their exodus from areas like Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, responding to warnings about “combat areas.” On Wednesday, Israel advanced further into Gaza, claiming to have seized parts of a corridor separating the northern and southern regions.
While some wells in central Gaza continue to function, they provide only brackish water, raising concerns about long-term health issues. The Israeli energy minister suggested that water supplies could soon be cut off, while the Foreign Ministry claimed that Hamas was exploiting aid shipments.
Since the onset of the conflict, Gaza has experienced severe electricity shortages, with essential services relying on solar panels and generators. However, following the recent attacks, the value of solar panels has increased, yet many Gazans continue to face prolonged darkness.