Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 23 Palestinians, with hundreds more displaced due to the ongoing violence. The military has expanded evacuation orders to tens of thousands of residents across the enclave, citing Palestinian rocket fire from northern areas.
The renewed conflict, which began a week ago, has resulted in nearly 700 deaths, mostly women and children. Most of Gaza’s population, 2.3 million, have already been displaced multiple times due to previous fighting, facing worsening food and water shortages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the offensive aims to pressure Hamas into releasing its remaining 59 hostages. However, a ceasefire deal mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US remains elusive.
Hamas has accused Israel of abandoning the January 19 ceasefire deal, while claiming cooperation with a new effort to restore calm and conclude the three-phase agreement. Despite this, no breakthrough has been reported.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen over 50,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and taking about 250 hostages.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strikes-kill-23-gaza-military-expands-evacuation-orders-2025-03-25