Over 500 Killed After IDF Operations Resume in Gaza, Health Officials Say

What Happened?

At least 85 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israeli air strikes since midnight Thursday in Gaza.

It comes after the Israeli military resumed its ground operations across the Gaza Strip, killing more than 500 people over the past two days, according to Gaza health officials.

Among those causalities were the heads of Hamas' general security forces.

Hamas reportedly fired three rockets at Israel without casualties, in the first such attack since Israel ended its ceasefire.

But Israel's military said it had intercepted the rockets that were fired at Tel Aviv in response.

According to The Associated Press, a blockade has been restored on northern Gaza, including Gaza City, as many have been told to evacuate.

Israel Defense Forces resumed targeted operations in central and southern Gaza to widen its security zone.

The goal is to create a partial buffer to retake part of the Netzarim Corridor.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated Wednesday that Tuesday's attack was 'only the beginning.'

Gaza’s Health Ministry called it the deadliest day in Gaza after 17 months of war.

Why it Matters

Hopes of a second-phase ceasefire are shattered as Israel pushes forward with its war goals against Hamas.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to what remained of their homes after the initial ceasefire took place in January.

Netanyahu vowed to use 'increasing military strength' against the militant group amid a lack of progress in truce talks.

The Trump administration supported the Israeli actions despite the pending release of remaining hostages.

Hamas reportedly warned Israel’s decision to resume the war was a 'death sentence' for those hostages remaining.

The militant group also accused Netanyahu of upending the truce agreement.

Israel allegedly tried to force a new U.S. ceasefire that differed from the one agreed to in January.

There's a bigger concern growing amid stoppages of deliveries that are essential to Gaza’s 2.1 million people.

How it Affects You

Israel says Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive, according to reports.

Families are urging an immediate ceasefire and return to the negotiations to prevent the death of other hostages.

Since March 2, aid deliveries of food, fuel, medicine, and other supplies have been blocked by Israeli officials.

It’s unclear how recovery efforts would resume and if the Trump administration could even rekindle peace talks at this stage of conflict.

The future of Gaza and its residents appears grim if key allies are unable to resume ceasefire efforts very quickly and effectively.