Israel Resumes War in Gaza: Ben-Gvir Returns, Protests Erupt in Jerusalem/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel’s far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir has rejoined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as national security minister after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 436 Palestinians. The strikes shattered the January ceasefire with Hamas, sparking international condemnation and protests in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called the attacks a “tragic step backward.”
Ben-Gvir Rejoins Netanyahu’s Cabinet as Israel Escalates Gaza War: Quick Looks
- Itamar Ben-Gvir returns to Israel’s government as national security minister, strengthening Netanyahu’s coalition.
- At least 436 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, with 183 children and 94 women among the dead, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports.
- Thousands of Israelis protest in Jerusalem, fearing renewed war endangers hostages held by Hamas.
- France’s Macron condemns the strikes, calling them “a tragic step backward.”
- Israeli military denies attacking a UN compound, despite reports that five UN workers were wounded.
Israel Resumes Gaza War as Ben-Gvir Returns to Netanyahu’s Cabinet
Far-Right Leader Back in Government Amid Renewed Fighting
Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has rejoined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, just one day after Israel shattered a ceasefire with Hamas by launching devastating airstrikes across the Gaza Strip.
Ben-Gvir had left Netanyahu’s coalition in January, protesting against the temporary ceasefire with Hamas. His return bolsters Netanyahu’s grip on power, especially ahead of a crucial budget vote later this month.
“This is only the beginning,” Netanyahu said, vowing to continue the military offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed.
Israel’s Strikes Kill 436 Palestinians, Including Women and Children
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 436 people have been killed since Tuesday’s Israeli airstrikes, making it the deadliest day in Gaza since the war began.
- 183 children and 94 women were among the dead.
- 678 others have been wounded, with rescue efforts still underway.
Israel insists that it only targets Hamas militants, but critics argue that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
Jerusalem Protests: Families Demand Hostage Release Over War
The resumption of war has sparked outrage in Israel, where thousands of protesters gathered outside the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in Jerusalem.
“The hostages are waiting for us to bring them home, but war will not do it,” said protester Alon Shirizly. “Only negotiations will do it.”
Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, including 24 believed to be alive. Many fear that renewed fighting will further jeopardize their chances of survival.
France Condemns Israel’s Strikes: “A Tragic Step Backward”
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly criticized Israel’s military offensive, warning that it undermines peace efforts.
“This is a tragic step backward for Gaza, for the Palestinian people, and for the families of Israeli hostages,” Macron said.
Speaking alongside Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Macron urged Netanyahu to halt the strikes and resume ceasefire negotiations.
Israeli Military Denies Striking UN Compound
Reports emerged on Wednesday that five UN workers were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN facility in central Gaza. However, the Israeli military denied responsibility, stating:
“Contrary to reports, the IDF did not strike a UN compound in Deir al-Balah.”
The United Nations has yet to comment on the incident.
Malaysia Accepts 15 Palestinian Prisoners Released by Israel
Malaysia announced that it would welcome 15 Palestinians who were released from Israeli prisons under the January ceasefire agreement.
- Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called it a “humanitarian gesture” in support of the Palestinian cause.
- Malaysian security agencies will monitor the released individuals upon arrival.
UN Peacekeeper Injured in Lebanon Blast
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that a UN peacekeeper was wounded in a mine explosion near the Israeli border.
The United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) confirmed the incident, stating that the peacekeeper was taken to Beirut for emergency surgery.
What’s Next?
- Israel’s military campaign is expected to intensify, with Netanyahu vowing to escalate strikes on Hamas.
- International pressure is mounting for Israel to halt the offensive, with European and Arab leaders calling for a return to ceasefire talks.
- The fate of Israeli hostages remains uncertain, with renewed concerns that Hamas may retaliate against captives.
With tensions rising across the region, all eyes are on whether Netanyahu will push ahead with a full-scale invasion or yield to international pressure for diplomacy.
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