Fresh airstrike hit Gaza Thursday night, killed 91 including Children & Women

 

Gaza Engulfed in Violence: Israeli Strikes Kill 85 Palestinians, Ceasefire Collapse Leads to Humanitarian Crisis

DEIR-AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip – Thursday, March 20, 2025: Israeli airstrikes intensified across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 85 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The escalating violence has shattered the fragile truce that had been in place since late January, plunging the region into renewed chaos and triggering a humanitarian crisis.  

Deadly Strikes and Rising Toll:

Israeli strikes targeted multiple homes across Gaza, leaving a trail of destruction and fatalities. The Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, near Gaza's northern border, reported receiving 19 bodies. The head of the Health Ministry’s emergency service in northern Gaza described the situation as "catastrophic," stating that rescuers were still searching through the rubble.  

Ceasefire Collapse and Renewed Hostilities:

Israel resumed heavy strikes across Gaza on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, effectively ending the ceasefire that had facilitated the release of hostages and brought a period of relative calm. The Israeli military has also reimposed a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City, restricting movement and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.  

Hamas Rocket Fire and Israeli Response:

Hours after the Israeli strikes, Hamas fired three rockets toward Israel. The Israeli military reported intercepting one rocket and two falling in open areas. In response, Israel announced it would operate in an area near Khan Younis, ordering Palestinians to evacuate. The Palestinian militant group claimed to have targeted Tel Aviv.  

Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns:

The strikes resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties, including women and children. One strike on the Abu Daqa family's home in Abasan al-Kabira, a village outside Khan Younis near the border with Israel, killed at least 16 people, mostly women and children. The European Hospital received the deceased.  

A United Nations-backed group of human rights experts has accused Israel of "disproportionate violence against women and children" during the war in Gaza. Israel claims to only target militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths due to their operations in densely populated areas.  

Military Operations and Regional Tensions:

Israeli ground forces are also pushing into Gaza near Beit Lahiya and Rafah. The military has retaken the strategic Netzarim corridor, effectively splitting Gaza in two. The Israeli military reported that its airstrikes killed the head of Hamas’ internal security apparatus and two other militant commanders.  

The escalating violence has heightened regional tensions and raised concerns about a deepening humanitarian crisis. The collapse of the ceasefire and the intensified military operations have left civilians trapped in a cycle of violence, with limited access to essential resources and safety.