The Israeli military has expanded its offensive in Gaza, taking control of more territory and issuing new evacuation orders for residents who had recently returned to their homes. The escalation comes as the death toll in the enclave since the war began has surpassed 50,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Israeli forces have renewed their operations in Gaza after talks on extending a fragile cease-fire reached an impasse. The military says its troops have begun operating in additional areas, including Beit Hanoun and Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, where thousands of families are being forced to flee due to bombardment and lack of basic necessities.
Gaza’s health ministry has condemned the direct targeting of hospitals, with two patients killed and several others injured in a strike on the Nasser Hospital compound. Hamas has also condemned the bombing of the hospital, saying it resulted in the death of its political bureau member Ismail Barhoum.
The Israeli government says its renewed offensive is aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas to release hostages still held in Gaza. However, the resumption of the military campaign has not found the same national consensus among Israelis as the war did in the immediate aftermath of the October 2023 assault.
As the conflict escalates, concerns are growing about the fates of the hostages, up to 24 of whom are believed to still be alive. Many Israelis are questioning what could be achieved militarily that was not achieved in the first 15 months of fighting. The situation remains dire for thousands of Palestinians living in Gaza, with many struggling to access basic necessities due to Israel’s closure of crossings into the enclave.
The Palestinian Civil Defense has warned of “imminent danger” threatening the lives of more than 50,000 people in Rafah, while the Israeli military says it is looking into reports of ambulances trapped and crew members wounded by gunfire.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/23/world/middleeast/gaza-israel-rafah.html