Israel restarted its attacks on Tuesday after ceasefire talks broke down. EPA
Hamas fired three rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday. This was the first time the group retaliated since Israel resumed its military operation in Gaza. Israel’s defense forces said they intercepted one missile, while the other two landed in open areas without causing damage.
According to Gaza's health ministry, at least 591 people, including over 200 children, have died since the fighting restarted. The violence resumed on Tuesday after a failed attempt to extend the ceasefire.
The Israeli military confirmed it launched a ground operation in Gaza. Troops advanced into Rafah near the Egyptian border and also pushed into central and northern Gaza. The military said it destroyed Hamas’ infrastructure and continued heavy airstrikes.
An Israeli spokesperson blamed Hamas for breaking the ceasefire. He said the group rejected all offers for a hostage deal, including those backed by the US. Israel warned it would keep attacking until Hamas freed the remaining 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.
Meanwhile, five staff members of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency were killed in recent days. The agency's chief said they were teachers, doctors, and nurses. The UN also reported that one of its workers died when a compound in Deir al-Balah was struck. Gaza officials blamed an Israeli airstrike, while Israel denied hitting the site.
In the US, President Donald Trump expressed his full support for Israel’s recent military actions. The White House confirmed the US would continue supplying weapons to Israel.
In the UK, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said a British national was injured during the attack on the UN compound. The UK government is assisting the injured citizen and their family.
In Gaza’s Khan Younis, grieving father Qasim Abu Sharqiya shared his heartbreak. His two-year-old son, Omar, was killed in an airstrike. "They bombed a tent next to us and he died," he said. Omar was born through IVF after years of trying.
Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, demanding the release of hostages. Demonstrators criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for resuming the assault, accusing it of abandoning the captives. Police used water cannons to disperse protesters in Jerusalem.
Elsewhere, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile toward Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The Israeli military intercepted it before it entered the country.
Netanyahu vowed to continue the offensive, saying all future ceasefire talks would happen "under fire." Hostage families accused the government of giving up on their loved ones by restarting attacks.
Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked over the ceasefire. Hamas refused Israel’s terms but offered to return a living American hostage and the bodies of four hostages. Israel rejected the offer.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, around 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, have died, and 251 were taken hostage. The ongoing conflict has killed over 48,500 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and destroyed large parts of Gaza.
