Jerusalem/Gaza City, March 21, 2025 – Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza, launching extended ground incursions and conducting widespread airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians over the past few days. According to Gaza health officials, at least 70 people were killed and many others injured in Israeli strikes on Thursday alone.
Escalation in Airstrikes and Ground Operations
Israeli airstrikes have targeted multiple residential areas in northern and southern Gaza, with the military confirming the elimination of several Hamas leaders and the destruction of key infrastructure. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have also announced that Palestinians will no longer be permitted to enter northern Gaza from the south, effectively reinstating a blockade that was eased following January’s ceasefire.
The resumption of large-scale ground operations comes after a temporary ceasefire collapsed earlier this week. On Wednesday, the Israeli military confirmed that it had expanded its ground presence in central and southern Gaza, pushing deeper into Hamas-controlled territories.
One of the Deadliest Episodes Since War Began
According to Reuters, Tuesday’s airstrikes marked one of the deadliest episodes since the conflict erupted in October 2023, with more than 400 Palestinians killed in a single day. In total, 510 Palestinians have been killed since Tuesday, with women and children making up over half of the casualties, health officials reported.
Israeli Troops Advance in Netzarim Corridor
The Israeli military confirmed that its forces had strengthened their control over the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic passageway that bisects Gaza. Military officials described the maneuver as a “focused operation” aimed at establishing a partial buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. As part of this expansion, troops deepened their presence in the corridor’s central areas, intensifying clashes with Hamas fighters.
Hamas Condemns "Violation" of Ceasefire
In response, Hamas condemned Israel’s actions, calling the incursion into the Netzarim Corridor a "new and dangerous violation" of the two-month-old ceasefire agreement. The group issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the truce and called on international mediators to intervene.
Despite efforts by mediators to de-escalate the situation, Hamas officials stated that no breakthrough had been reached. However, while condemning Israel’s renewed offensive, Hamas has not issued an immediate threat of retaliation.
Israel Restores Blockade on Northern Gaza
In a further escalation, the Israeli military announced on Thursday that Palestinians would no longer be allowed to travel north from the southern regions of Gaza. The military warned civilians against using the territory’s primary north-south highway and stated that only movement toward the south would be permitted along Gaza’s coastal road.
The Israel-Hamas War: A Prolonged Conflict
The ongoing war stems from Hamas’ attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas' military infrastructure and leadership.
With the renewed intensity of airstrikes and ground incursions, concerns are rising over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic efforts struggling to prevent further escalation.
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