Israel Launches Ground Offensive in N. Gaza to Retake Part of Key Corridor/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel launched a limited ground operation in northern Gaza on Wednesday, retaking part of the Netzarim corridor, which bisects the territory. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of more intense military action if Hamas does not release hostages. Meanwhile, a U.N. staffer was killed in an airstrike, with the U.N. calling for accountability. The renewed violence has killed at least 436 Palestinians and wounded 678 since Tuesday.
Gaza Conflict: Quick Look
- Israel launches ground operation to retake the Netzarim corridor in northern Gaza.
- Defense Minister Katz warns of intensified attacks if hostages are not released.
- At least 436 Palestinians killed, including 183 children, since Israeli airstrikes resumed.
- A U.N. staffer killed in airstrike on a U.N. guesthouse in Deir al-Balah.
- U.N. calls for accountability, stating Israel knew the facility’s location.
- No confirmed Palestinian militant attacks reported since the ceasefire collapse.
- Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas stalled, with both sides blaming each other.
Israel Launches Ground Offensive in N. Gaza to Retake Part of Key Corridor
Israel Reenters Northern Gaza as Conflict Escalates
Israel Retakes Strategic Corridor
Israel re-entered northern Gaza on Wednesday, retaking part of the Netzarim corridor—a key strategic route it had previously withdrawn from during the January ceasefire with Hamas. Israeli military officials said the limited ground operation was aimed at restoring security control over the area.
“We will step up our military actions with an intensity you have not seen,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, warning that Gaza civilians should prepare for new evacuation orders.
The move comes after weeks of stalled ceasefire negotiations, with Israel demanding the release of hostages and Hamas insisting on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
U.N. Staffer Killed in Gaza Strike
The United Nations confirmed one staff member was killed and five others were wounded in a strike on a U.N. guesthouse in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
“This was not an accident,” said Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the U.N. Office for Project Services, stating that the facility had been hit on three consecutive days.
Following the strike, injured U.N. workers were rushed to Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital, with footage showing victims wearing blue U.N. vests receiving medical treatment.
Gaza Death Toll Rises
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 436 people had been killed since Tuesday’s Israeli airstrikes, including 183 children and 94 women. An additional 678 people were wounded.
While Israel says it targets Hamas militants, Gaza officials insist that civilian areas—including hospitals and schools—have been hit. The U.N. has warned that the escalating attacks could plunge the region into an even deeper humanitarian crisis.
What’s Next? More Fighting or Diplomacy?
The renewed conflict comes weeks after a fragile ceasefire collapsed. During the first phase of negotiations, Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners, but talks to extend the truce fell apart.
Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists on continuing military operations until Hamas is dismantled.
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