Israeli airstrikes killed at least 10 Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday, according to local health officials, as the Israeli military resumed its bombardments and issued new evacuation orders for combat zones.
The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted a Hamas site in northern Gaza, citing preparations for rocket fire into Israeli territory.
On Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes killed more than 400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, marking one of the deadliest days since the war began. The latest escalation follows a brief period of calm after a ceasefire in January. Israeli officials warned the offensive was “just the beginning.”
Both Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the ceasefire, which had temporarily provided relief for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The ongoing war has devastated the enclave, leaving much of it in ruins and forcing repeated mass displacements.
The Israeli army distributed leaflets in Beit Hanoun and Khan Younis on Wednesday, warning civilians to evacuate as these areas were declared “dangerous combat zones.” The leaflets stated: “Staying in shelters or tents puts your life and that of your family in danger. Evacuate immediately.”
An Israeli airstrike also hit a United Nations facility in central Gaza, killing one and injuring four, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military denied targeting the UN compound in Deir el-Balah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that military action resumed after Hamas rejected proposals to extend the ceasefire. Hamas, which continues to hold 59 of the 250 hostages Israel says were taken during its October 7, 2023, cross-border attack, accused Israel of undermining mediation efforts for a lasting truce.
The renewed conflict has drawn international concern. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the situation in Gaza “unacceptable” during talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Jordan’s King Abdullah, after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, urged an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid. “Israel’s resumption of attacks on Gaza is an extremely dangerous step that adds further devastation to an already dire humanitarian situation,” Abdullah said.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged restraint, warning that the renewed fighting jeopardizes diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution. “The resumption of fighting undermines Arab states’ efforts to establish a future for Gaza free from Hamas,” Baerbock said.
Israel and its Western allies maintain that Hamas should have no role in governing Gaza once the war ends. Despite Israel’s campaign to dismantle the group, Hamas remains the dominant power in the enclave.
Arab nations had proposed a reconstruction and peace initiative, but progress has stalled. A previous U.S. plan under President Donald Trump, which suggested resettling Palestinians and turning Gaza into an economic hub, was widely opposed in the region.
Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed three people in a house in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. Another attack in Beit Hanoun killed two men and injured six others, according to Palestinian health officials.
Palestinian medics reported that Israeli tank shelling on Salahdeen Road killed one person and wounded others. Another airstrike killed three people in a house in Beit Lahiya, north of Gaza City.
Israeli naval forces attacked multiple boats, alleging they were being used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad for planned operations. Palestinian sources reported that an Israeli drone fired on fishing boats near Gaza City’s shore, setting several ablaze.
Hamas officials reaffirmed their commitment to a three-phase ceasefire plan.
Since October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants have killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and taken around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, the Israeli military campaign has killed over 49,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Since the resumption of airstrikes on Tuesday, at least 436 Palestinians have been killed, including 183 children, the health ministry reported.
