The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it has launched new ground operations in the Gaza Strip, partially retaking a key area, a day after airstrikes broke a two-month ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Israel accused Hamas of refusing to release the hostages and blocking talks with mediators, while Hamas blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for breaking the ceasefire.
Israeli troops expanded control over the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic area separating northern Gaza from the south. The corridor, which was left open during the January ceasefire, has been used by hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to move to different parts of the enclave.
On Tuesday, Israeli bombing killed more than 400 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The UN confirmed the death of one of its staff members in an explosion at its headquarters in central Gaza, while five others were injured.
Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis protested in the Israeli parliament against Netanyahu's policies, accusing him of using war to hold on to power.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gazans "will pay the full price" if the hostages are not released.
Israel has rescued only eight hostages alive out of 251 kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, while most have been released through exchange deals with Palestinian prisoners. (A2 Televizion)
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