Israeli Strikes Kill 85 Palestinians as Fighting Resumes in Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel carried out a new wave of deadly airstrikes across Gaza overnight, killing at least 85 Palestinians, including women and children, according to local health officials. Hamas responded by launching three rockets toward Israel, the first such attack since Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with heavy bombardment on Tuesday. The Israeli military has also reinstated its blockade of northern Gaza and launched new ground operations near Beit Lahiya.
Gaza Conflict: Quick Look
- At least 85 killed overnight as Israeli strikes hit homes across Gaza.
- Hamas launches three rockets toward Israel, causing no casualties.
- Israel restores blockade on northern Gaza, limiting movement.
- Ground operation launched near Beit Lahiya, where dozens have been killed.
- The war reignited after Israel resumed strikes Tuesday, ending a ceasefire.
- Trump administration fully backs Israel, blaming Hamas for rejecting a new proposal.
- Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 592 Palestinian deaths since Tuesday.
Israeli Strikes Kill 85 Palestinians as Fighting Resumes in Gaza
New Israeli Strikes Escalate Fighting in Gaza
Israeli forces bombarded Gaza overnight and into Thursday, striking residential buildings and infrastructure, according to health officials.
One of the most devastating attacks hit the Abu Daqa family home in Abasan al-Kabira, killing 16 people, including seven children. A month-old baby survived with their grandparents, but the child’s parents and older brother were killed.
“The house collapsed over the people’s heads,” said local resident Hani Awad.
Israel’s military says it targeted Hamas militants, but Gaza officials insist most of the casualties are civilians.
Hamas Fires Rockets in Retaliation
For the first time since Tuesday’s Israeli assault, Hamas fired three rockets toward Tel Aviv on Thursday.
- Israel’s missile defense system intercepted one rocket, while two landed in open areas.
- The Israeli military also shot down a missile from Yemen’s Houthi rebels over Jerusalem.
- No casualties reported from Hamas or Houthi attacks.
Israel Renews Ground Assault in Northern Gaza
Israeli forces launched a ground operation near Beit Lahiya, a town that has already been heavily damaged in the 17-month war.
- Troops advanced into Gaza for the first time since the January ceasefire, retaking parts of the Netzarim corridor that divides the north and south.
- Israel is limiting movement, only allowing people to flee south via the coastal road.
- Food, fuel, and humanitarian aid remain cut off, worsening conditions for 2 million Palestinians.
Hamas Refuses New Israeli Proposal
Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, which does not guarantee an end to the war or a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- Hamas says it will only release hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire.
- The group has offered to transfer power to either the Palestinian Authority or an independent body but refuses to disarm.
Trump Administration Backs Israel
“Hamas ended the ceasefire by rejecting Israel’s new terms,” a White House official said.
Gaza Death Toll Rises as Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Since Israel resumed strikes on Tuesday, at least 592 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
- Many victims are women and children.
- Hospitals are overwhelmed and running critically low on supplies.
- Beit Lahiya suffered heavy bombardment overnight, with at least 19 bodies recovered.
“The situation is catastrophic,” said Fares Awad, head of emergency services in northern Gaza.
17 Months of War: No End in Sight
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
- Israel’s retaliation has killed nearly 49,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
- Israel claims 20,000 Hamas fighters have been killed, but no independent verification exists.
- Ceasefires have repeatedly collapsed, with hostages being exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
What’s Next?
- Israel is expected to intensify airstrikes and ground operations.
- The U.S. is pushing for ceasefire talks, but Israel insists Hamas must release hostages first.
- Aid agencies warn of famine as food, water, and medicine remain scarce.
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