Hamas Fires Rockets at Tel Aviv as Israel Resumes Ground Operations in Gaza
Hamas launched rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time since Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza. Israel intercepted one rocket, with others landing in uninhabited areas. The ongoing fighting has resulted in over 590 deaths, including more than 200 children. Israel initiated a ground operation in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, dismantling “terrorist infrastructure” and creating a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. The conflict reignited after ceasefire talks failed. Israel demands Hamas release 59 hostages.
UN staff in Gaza have been killed. Protests in Israel call for the return of hostages. Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired a missile at Israel, which was intercepted. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that combat would continue “in full force.” Negotiations for a ceasefire remain stalled.
Hamas Fires Rockets at Tel Aviv as Israel Resumes Ground Operations in Gaza
Hamas has fired rockets toward Tel Aviv for the first time since Israel restarted its military campaign in Gaza. According to reports, Israeli defenses intercepted one rocket, while the others fell in open areas, causing no injuries. The renewed violence comes amid a sharp rise in casualties, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 590 deaths, including more than 200 children, since fighting resumed.
Ground Offensive and Buffer Zone
Israeli forces expanded their operations into Rafah, a city near Gaza’s border with Egypt, targeting what they call “terrorist infrastructure.” Troops have destroyed tunnels, weapons storage sites, and Hamas command centers. Additionally, Israel is working to establish a buffer zone to separate northern and southern Gaza, aiming to disrupt militant movements. Military officials say operations will continue across Gaza until Hamas’ capabilities are significantly weakened.
Ceasefire Talks Collapse; Hostage Crisis Deepens
The latest round of fighting began after ceasefire negotiations broke down. Israel has insisted that Hamas must release 59 hostages still believed to be in captivity. Hamas, meanwhile, demands an end to Israeli operations and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The stalemate has prolonged the conflict, with both sides blaming each other for the collapse of talks.
Humanitarian Toll and UN Staff Casualties
The civilian toll in Gaza continues to mount. Local authorities report widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools, leaving thousands displaced. The UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) confirmed that several of its staff members were killed in recent strikes, though details remain unclear. International organizations have repeatedly called for urgent humanitarian pauses to deliver aid, but access remains severely limited due to ongoing combat.
Protests in Israel and Regional Tensions
In Israel, public frustration is growing. Protesters have taken to the streets, demanding the government prioritize securing the hostages’ release. Families of the captives accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of failing to act decisively. Meanwhile, regional tensions flared further when Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile toward southern Israel, which was intercepted by defense systems. The Houthis, who have ties to Iran, stated that the attack was in solidarity with Palestinians.
Netanyahu Vows to Continue Fighting
Despite global calls for de-escalation, Netanyahu has pledged to press ahead with military operations “at full strength.” He argues that stopping now would allow Hamas to regroup and pose future threats. However, critics, including some Israeli officials, warn that prolonged fighting risks deepening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and isolating Israel internationally.
Stalled Negotiations and Uncertain Future
Efforts to revive ceasefire talks remain deadlocked. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are struggling to bridge gaps between Israel’s demand for hostage releases and Hamas’ calls for a permanent truce. With neither side backing down, the war shows no signs of ending soon. Civilians in Gaza face dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, while Israelis near conflict zones endure daily rocket alerts.
International Reactions
The global community remains divided. Several countries, including the U.S., support Israel’s right to self-defense but urge restraint to protect civilians. Others, particularly Arab nations, accuse Israel of disproportionate force and war crimes. The United Nations Security Council has held emergency meetings but failed to agree on a unified response, highlighting deep geopolitical rifts.
Impact on Civilians
In Gaza, entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. Survivors describe scrambling to find safety as airstrikes hit residential areas. “There’s nowhere safe to go,” said one resident in Rafah. Children, who make up nearly half of Gaza’s population, are especially vulnerable, with many suffering from trauma, malnutrition, and untreated injuries. In Israel, while casualties are far lower, communities near Gaza live under constant threat of rocket attacks, disrupting daily life.
Calls for Accountability
Human rights groups are documenting potential violations of international law by both sides. Allegations include Hamas’ use of civilian areas for military purposes and Israel’s alleged indiscriminate bombing. Advocates stress the need for independent investigations, though accountability mechanisms remain weak.
Looking Ahead
The conflict’s trajectory hinges on multiple factors: the success of Israel’s military objectives, Hamas’ willingness to compromise, and international pressure to halt the violence. For now, civilians on both sides bear the brunt of a war with no clear end in sight. As casualties rise and devastation spreads, the urgency for a durable solution grows—but political will to achieve it remains elusive.