Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at Israel on Thursday, marking the first assault by the militant group since the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire earlier this week. The attack was swiftly followed by Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, leaving at least 58 Palestinians dead, according to hospital sources cited by the Associated Press.
Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, stating: "This launch is the resistance's first response to the zionist entity's violation of the ceasefire, which resulted over 710 martyrs in the last three days. It also comes after the IOF's renewed ground invasion into Beit Lahia this morning, and the failure of the mediators and the world to curb the IOF's aggression."
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the resumption of strikes, targeting areas across the Gaza Strip, including Beit Lahia and Khan Younis. According to medical officials at Khan Younis' European Hospital and Nasser Hospital, more than 45 individuals, including children, were killed overnight and into Thursday. One family reportedly lost 12 members, NBC News reported.
Israel's military also intercepted a missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels early Thursday before it reached Israeli airspace, the Associated Press said.
The renewed fighting comes after nearly two months of relative calm following an initial truce. Israel said it resumed its offensive after Hamas refused to release hostages despite multiple offers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video posted on X: "Hamas refused offer after offer to release our hostages. In the past two weeks, Israel did not initiate any military action, in the hope that Hamas would change course. Well, that didn't happen. While Israel accepted the offer of President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas flatly refused to do so."
Netanyahu added, "Israel does not target Palestinian civilians. We target Hamas terrorists. And when these terrorists embed themselves in civilian areas, when they use civilians as human shields, they're the ones who are responsible for all unintended casualties."
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed the hardline stance, warning Palestinians that failure to release the remaining hostages would result in severe consequences. "Return the hostages and eliminate Hamas - the alternative is complete destruction and annihilation," Katz said on Wednesday.
The humanitarian toll of Israel's renewed offensive has been severe. Gaza's health ministry reported over 400 deaths on Tuesday alone, predominantly women and children. Nearly 49,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and around 250 hostages taken.
Tragic scenes unfolded as Israeli strikes hit civilian shelters. Among the victims were Afnan Fouad Al-Ghannam, a 20-year-old pregnant woman, and her one-year-old son Mohammad, both killed when their tent in Gaza's Muwasi humanitarian zone was struck. Video captured by NBC News showed the boy's father, Alaa Abu Hilal, cradling his son's lifeless body, saying, "I would give my life for you... Take care of your mother."
The IDF confirmed the deployment of ground troops back into Gaza, focusing on retaking control of the Netzarim corridor - a strategic roadway bisecting Gaza. The military described the incursion as a "targeted ground operation" in the central and southern regions.
While the ceasefire appears shattered, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou stated Thursday that negotiations with mediators are ongoing. He expressed hope that pressure from negotiators would compel Israel to "back down from its plan" and honor the ceasefire terms agreed in January.
In Washington, U.S. lawmakers reiterated support for Israel. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., visiting Israel this week, posted on X: "Hamas does not want peace. I unapologetically, 100% stand with Israel, and demand the release of all remaining hostages. Sending this from Israel."
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., similarly stated Wednesday: "Hamas could end this war right now if it released the hostages held in Gaza. It could've done so months ago, but instead it's brought devastation by prolonging this conflict. America must lead the world in pressuring Hamas to end this war and bring the hostages home."
