Overview
- Israel launched its heaviest airstrikes on Gaza since January, killing over 400 people, including women and children, according to health officials.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited Hamas' refusal to release hostages and stalled ceasefire negotiations as reasons for resuming military operations.
- The two-month ceasefire, part of a phased agreement mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, collapsed after disagreements over the release of hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal.
- The renewed fighting has exacerbated Gaza's humanitarian crisis, with aid cut off, widespread destruction, and displacement of civilians.
- The escalation risks regional instability, with concerns about potential impacts on ceasefires with Hezbollah and heightened tensions involving Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels.