Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Result in High Casualties Amid Renewed Conflict
Israeli military resumes bombardments as evacuations are ordered in combat zones following a surge in violence.
On March 19, 2025, Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip reportedly killed at least 20 Palestinians, as confirmed by local health officials.
The Israeli military resumed its aerial bombardments and issued new evacuation orders to residents in areas designated as combat zones.
Among the casualties was a foreign national, who died in an airstrike that targeted a United Nations compound in central Gaza City.
The Israeli military denied that it hit the UN facility, asserting that the strike was aimed at a Hamas site in northern Gaza, allegedly in response to preparations for launching attacks against Israeli territory.
The violence follows a significant spike in casualties, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 400 deaths on March 18 alone, marking one of the deadliest days since the renewal of conflict after a ceasefire ended in January.
Israel characterized the ongoing military operations as merely the beginning of its response.
Accusations of truce violations have been exchanged between Israel and Hamas.
Israel claims Hamas is using civilians as shields, while Hamas asserts that Israeli bombardments are indiscriminate.
This latest conflict reignited after an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the kidnapping of around 250 individuals, which altered global perceptions of Israel's security.
Since the onset of the conflict, Palestinian health authorities estimate that the Israeli military campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 49,000 Palestinians, contributing to a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by severe shortages of food, water, and fuel supplies.
The resumption of Israeli airstrikes has prompted various reactions, including protests within Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to continue military actions while 59 hostages remain unaccounted for, with 24 believed to be alive.
Protests also highlight concerns regarding Netanyahu's approach to governance and security, amidst allegations of political motivations behind military actions.
The Israeli army took measures to inform residents of Gaza on March 19, distributing leaflets that warned of imminent danger and instructed families to evacuate from their homes.
In one instance, a leaflet directed residents in Beit Hanoun to leave, stating that remaining shelters posed risks to their safety.
Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that military operations resumed after Hamas rejected proposals for a ceasefire extension until April.
Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of undermining negotiations for a long-term peace agreement.
International responses included remarks from European officials.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union foreign policy chief, described the situation in Gaza as "unacceptable" during a discussion with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Jordan’s King Abdullah emphasized the need for ceasefire restoration and aid resumption.
Additionally, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for restraint from all parties, expressing concern that the renewed fighting could jeopardize diplomatic efforts towards peace in Gaza, which would ideally exclude Hamas from any governing role following the conflict.
Recent airstrikes have seen further fatalities, with multiple incidents reported across Gaza.
A strike on a house in Gaza City resulted in three deaths, while another attack in Beit Hanoun left two individuals dead and multiple others injured.
Tank shelling on Salahdeen road also resulted in casualties among Palestinians, further escalating tensions in the region.
The Israeli military resumed its aerial bombardments and issued new evacuation orders to residents in areas designated as combat zones.
Among the casualties was a foreign national, who died in an airstrike that targeted a United Nations compound in central Gaza City.
The Israeli military denied that it hit the UN facility, asserting that the strike was aimed at a Hamas site in northern Gaza, allegedly in response to preparations for launching attacks against Israeli territory.
The violence follows a significant spike in casualties, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 400 deaths on March 18 alone, marking one of the deadliest days since the renewal of conflict after a ceasefire ended in January.
Israel characterized the ongoing military operations as merely the beginning of its response.
Accusations of truce violations have been exchanged between Israel and Hamas.
Israel claims Hamas is using civilians as shields, while Hamas asserts that Israeli bombardments are indiscriminate.
This latest conflict reignited after an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the kidnapping of around 250 individuals, which altered global perceptions of Israel's security.
Since the onset of the conflict, Palestinian health authorities estimate that the Israeli military campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 49,000 Palestinians, contributing to a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by severe shortages of food, water, and fuel supplies.
The resumption of Israeli airstrikes has prompted various reactions, including protests within Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to continue military actions while 59 hostages remain unaccounted for, with 24 believed to be alive.
Protests also highlight concerns regarding Netanyahu's approach to governance and security, amidst allegations of political motivations behind military actions.
The Israeli army took measures to inform residents of Gaza on March 19, distributing leaflets that warned of imminent danger and instructed families to evacuate from their homes.
In one instance, a leaflet directed residents in Beit Hanoun to leave, stating that remaining shelters posed risks to their safety.
Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that military operations resumed after Hamas rejected proposals for a ceasefire extension until April.
Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of undermining negotiations for a long-term peace agreement.
International responses included remarks from European officials.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union foreign policy chief, described the situation in Gaza as "unacceptable" during a discussion with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Jordan’s King Abdullah emphasized the need for ceasefire restoration and aid resumption.
Additionally, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for restraint from all parties, expressing concern that the renewed fighting could jeopardize diplomatic efforts towards peace in Gaza, which would ideally exclude Hamas from any governing role following the conflict.
Recent airstrikes have seen further fatalities, with multiple incidents reported across Gaza.
A strike on a house in Gaza City resulted in three deaths, while another attack in Beit Hanoun left two individuals dead and multiple others injured.
Tank shelling on Salahdeen road also resulted in casualties among Palestinians, further escalating tensions in the region.
