Israel resumes bombardment, killing hundreds in Gaza

On March 17, 2025, Israel renewed its military offensive on the Gaza Strip after a period of ceasefire. This offensive included extensive airstrikes that led to the death of at least 300 Palestinians, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, though these figures have not been independently verified. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused Hamas of escalating tensions by refusing to release hostages and rejecting peace proposals. The Israeli military described the strikes as focused on destroying terror targets, affirming its intention to use increasing military force against Hamas. The renewed offensive came during a sensitive time for the region, with allegations arising from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which characterized the situation as genocide and called for urgent international intervention. Various countries, including Pakistan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, condemned the Israeli actions, citing the humanitarian crisis and civilian deaths that resulted from the airstrikes. Additionally, Yemen's Houthi rebels announced their intention to escalate their operations in support of Hamas, indicating increased regional tensions as a result of Israel's actions. International reactions from organizations and governments varied, with the United Nations Secretary-General expressing horror at the civilian casualties resulting from the renewed bombardment. Calls for the restoration of the ceasefire echoed across multiple nations and humanitarian organizations, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue. France and the United Kingdom urged both Israel and Hamas to engage in dialogue and respect ceasefire agreements to prevent further escalation and civilian suffering. As military operations continued into the evening of March 17, Israeli officials reiterated their commitment to military action until their objectives were met, primarily focused on the return of hostages. Criticism was directed at Israel’s government tactics, with allegations regarding their genocide policy being raised repeatedly. The ongoing cycle of violence has exacerbated the humanitarian situation in an already war-torn region, leading to further displacement and suffering among civilians caught in the crossfire, prompting urgent discussions around international humanitarian efforts and ceasefire mandates.