Israel has resumed its relentless airstrikes on Gaza, marking the end of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas. The airstrikes come as protests have erupted across Israel, with thousands of citizens filling the streets of Tel Aviv. Demonstrators are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the safe return of hostages still held by Hamas.

Escalating Violence and Civilian Casualties

Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, with medical officials reporting the arrival of 51 bodies in just the past 24 hours. These casualties have been confirmed as a result of the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Health officials in the region state that the targets of these attacks have included shelters and previously designated humanitarian zones, where displaced families are living in makeshift tents.

Ground Invasion and Expanded Buffer Zone

Since March 18, Israeli forces have launched continuous aerial bombardments while advancing ground troops in an effort to seize more land. The military operation has successfully captured approximately half of Gaza’s territory, expanding the buffer zone. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have indicated that these operations are designed to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and disrupt its leadership structures.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza

Meanwhile, Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation continues to worsen. Israel’s blockade of food, fuel, medicine, and essential supplies has been in place for nearly two months, leaving civilians in desperate need. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported last Friday that it had delivered its last food reserves to 47 kitchens in Gaza, which will soon run out of supplies. These kitchens, essential for feeding many families, have already exhausted their resources.

Local markets have been decimated, with essential products like meat, milk, cheese, and fruit disappearing completely. The cost of bread and eggs has risen beyond what most families can afford, and staple vegetables have become nearly impossible to find. The WFP has emphasized that over 116,000 metric tons of food aid are currently waiting to enter Gaza, but they are being blocked by the ongoing siege. Rights organizations have condemned this blockade as a form of “starvation warfare,” a tactic that could be considered a war crime under international law.

Mass Protests in Tel Aviv for Ceasefire and Hostage Negotiations

On Saturday, thousands of Israeli citizens gathered in Tel Aviv’s central streets, holding signs and chanting for a ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. Demonstrators voiced frustration with the government’s handling of the situation, calling for stronger efforts to secure the freedom of those still in captivity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli officials have justified the renewed military campaign, insisting that the pressure will force Hamas to release the hostages and cease its military activities. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until Hamas is disarmed, asserting that Israel’s military actions are necessary to ensure its security and restore peace.

Hamas’s Conditions for Hostage Release

Hamas, which currently holds 59 hostages, has made it clear that it will not release the captives unless its demands are met. The militant group insists on the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. They have also demanded a permanent ceasefire, citing the terms of a ceasefire agreement that had collapsed earlier this year.

To that end, Hamas has sent a senior delegation to Cairo in an attempt to revive the faltering ceasefire talks. The delegation’s goal is to present a comprehensive plan to not only end the ongoing hostilities but also address the long-term reconstruction of Gaza. The discussions are expected to focus on both humanitarian relief and political negotiations aimed at securing a lasting peace.

Stalemate and Potential Diplomacy

As the situation on the ground grows increasingly tense, both military and diplomatic efforts continue to unfold. Israeli military actions are likely to continue in the short term, as Netanyahu’s government holds firm on its strategy to eliminate Hamas. However, the mounting civilian casualties and widespread international condemnation of the blockade could push the Israeli government to reconsider its approach.

At the same time, the ongoing protests in Tel Aviv suggest that Israeli public opinion is becoming more divided on the military’s continued actions. The mounting pressure from both domestic and international sources may prompt new diplomatic avenues to end the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.