In the latest escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, at least 70 Palestinians have been reported dead in air strikes as Israel resumed military operations in Gaza on March 20, 2025. The violence marks a significant uptick following a brief ceasefire that had been in place since January of this year.
Local health officials confirmed that multiple buildings in both northern and southern Gaza were targeted in the recent airstrikes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the operations were a response to Hamas's actions and were meant to underscore the importance of maintaining security in the region. The military emphasized that these operations were only the beginning of a larger campaign.
After resuming air strikes starting March 18, Israel's attacks rapidly escalated, resulting in over 400 Palestinian deaths within the first 24 hours—a figure representing one of the highest daily tolls since the onset of this conflict. The ongoing violence has left the health ministry in Gaza overwhelmed, reporting at least 510 deaths over the course of the last three days, half of whom were women and children.
Historically, tensions between Israel and Hamas have often erupted into violence, each side accusing the other of breaking prior agreements. Following the end of a two-month ceasefire in early March, Hamas had aimed to enter negotiations for a second stage that would see the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, these hopes were dashed as Israel's renewed military campaign aimed to compel Hamas to free the remaining hostages.
Hamas, in strongly worded statements, condemned the Israel Defense Forces' reassertion of control over the Netzarim corridor, which separates northern and southern Gaza, calling it a dangerous violation of the ceasefire agreement. In their response, they reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire and urged mediators to hold both parties accountable.
The conflict has not only generated a humanitarian crisis but has also led to further international scrutiny. Reports of civilian casualties have drawn widespread condemnation. Notably, a recent Israeli airstrike hit a United Nations facility in central Gaza City, killing a foreign staff member and injuring five others. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a thorough investigation into this incident, reminding all parties to adhere to international humanitarian laws.
Since the fighting escalated following the conflict's outbreak on October 7, 2023, the UN reports that at least 280 of its personnel have died in various attacks within Gaza.
The U.S. State Department has also voiced its concerns, condemning Hamas’s resumption of hostile actions and indicating that they are drafting a bridge proposal. This action aims to secure an extension of the ceasefire and demand the release of hostages held by Hamas.
As multiple nations watch closely, the future remains uncertain. The escalation of violence could undermine hopes for a peaceful resolution, increasing the suffering of civilians caught in this relentless cycle.
As the situation continues to develop, both local and international leaders call for de-escalation and adherence to ceasefire agreements—an essential step in any negotiation towards lasting peace in the region.
