Following the collapse of a ceasefire, Israeli air strikes on Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of only women and children, according to the United Nations. A particularly devastating attack in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, killed 10 members of the Farra family, including seven children. The United Nations human rights office raised alarms about the scale and nature of these attacks, suggesting they may constitute forced population transfers due to expanding evacuation orders, raising concerns about the viability of the Palestinian population in Gaza.

Israel's military confirmed it was investigating the Khan Yunis attack while noting that it had struck approximately 40 "terror targets" across the territory in the previous 24 hours. Since the resumption of air strikes on March 18, after a two-month ceasefire, Gaza's health ministry reported over 1,500 deaths. The strikes have largely targeted residential areas and camps for internally displaced persons, with the UN verifying at least 36 attacks where only women and children were confirmed among the fatalities.

The destruction has prompted widespread condemnation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel, calling its actions barbaric. The Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders in Gaza City early Friday, signaling a new offensive. UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani expressed concern over the denial of essential resources and recurring suggestions that Gazans should leave the territory entirely, equating it to a possible strategy of depopulation.

In the broader diplomatic context, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the need for international pressure to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. The war, which began after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has seen a staggering toll: over 50,000 Palestinians killed and 1,218 Israeli casualties, mostly civilians. Hostage situations remain unresolved, with 58 Israelis still held in Gaza, 34 of whom are believed to be dead.

Efforts to broker another ceasefire are ongoing. A previous truce mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar in January resulted in the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. Currently, the United States is optimistic about progress, with former President Donald Trump and his envoy indicating that a new hostage deal may be close. Egyptian and Israeli sources have reportedly exchanged draft proposals suggesting a potential truce of 40–70 days.

Despite reports of diplomatic developments, Hamas has stated that it has not received any new offers but remains open to proposals that ensure a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and relief for the Palestinian people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated in a Passover message his commitment to bringing the hostages home, arguing that increasing military pressure is the only viable path forward.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2596640/middle-east