JERUSALEM: A recent airstrike in Gaza resulted in the deaths of several family members, including two parents and their four children, as Israeli ground forces increased their operations within the territory.

Local witnesses and hospital representatives confirmed the fatalities following an explosion east of Gaza City.

The Israeli Defense Forces stated that the strike targeted a militant within a structure in Gaza City and emphasized efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

The details surrounding the attack remain unclear, as reports vary.

In a statement on social media, the Israeli military announced forthcoming raids in three neighborhoods west of Gaza City and issued evacuation warnings to local residents.

The military's announcement followed the interception of two rockets launched from northern Gaza, which activated warning sirens in the coastal city of Ashkelon.

Israeli troops have made advances toward the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the southern border city of Rafah, after regaining control of key areas that separate northern from southern Gaza.

The Israeli military also reported the re-enforcement of a blockade on northern Gaza, including access to Gaza City.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated the government's intention to escalate military operations in Gaza until hostages held by Hamas are released.

Katz stated, "I ordered the army to seize more territory in Gaza ...

the more Hamas refuses to free the hostages, the more territory it will lose, which will be annexed by Israel."

He further indicated plans to extend buffer zones around Gaza, suggesting a potential shift towards a permanent Israeli occupation of the area.

Domestically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a judicial setback regarding the dismissal of Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security service.

The Israeli Supreme Court intervened to pause Bar's termination, which had been approved unanimously by Netanyahu’s Cabinet.

The court mandated a review of the decision by April 8.

Netanyahu’s office initially indicated that Bar's dismissal could occur by April 10, pending a replacement.

However, Israel’s attorney general determined that the Cabinet lacked legal grounds for Bar's removal.

Following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which provoked the current conflict, a Shin Bet report attributed failures to both the security agency and the Netanyahu administration for creating conditions that allowed the attack to occur.

Despite internal criticisms, Netanyahu has resisted calls for a formal inquiry and has primarily attributed the failures to military and security apparatuses.

In the aftermath of the conflict, close to 600 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the collapse of a ceasefire on Tuesday, which had temporarily reduced hostilities and facilitated the release of hostages.

Israeli bombardments in areas like Rafah have intensified, exacerbating the humanitarian situation for a population already facing shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.

The recent military operations occur in the context of a ceasefire that had been negotiated to allow for a phased reduction of hostilities.

Under this agreement, Hamas initially released 25 hostages in exchange for the release of nearly 1,800 Palestinians from Israeli custody and a temporary cessation of military operations.

However, negotiations for a subsequent phase faltered, leading to renewed violence.

Hamas officials assert that any future release of the remaining hostages hinges on the establishment of a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as stipulated in prior agreements mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar.

They have expressed readiness to hand over authority to the Palestinian Authority or a coalition of independents, contingent upon an end to what they describe as long-term Israeli occupation.

Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have expressed frustration over Hamas' refusal to engage meaningfully in negotiations.

The Israeli government contends that continued military pressure is necessary to compel Hamas to capitulate to demands regarding the hostages.

Relations between Israeli leadership factions have been strained, with critics interpreting Netanyahu’s move to dismiss the Shin Bet chief as a consolidation of power amidst ongoing accountability for the recent violence.

Public protests have erupted in support of Bar, indicating significant domestic discord regarding the government's management of security and accountability in the face of the ongoing crisis.

Casualty reports from the ongoing conflict in Gaza indicate extensive devastation, with the Gaza Health Ministry citing over 49,000 Palestinian deaths, of which more than half are reported to be women and children.

In contrast, Israeli military sources assert a death toll of approximately 20,000 militants, although no supporting evidence has been disclosed.

The conflict has resulted in the displacement of a significant portion of Gaza's population, affecting nearly 90% of its residents.