The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza has surged to nearly 600 over three days, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intensify their ground offensive from both the north and south of the besieged enclave.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised a fresh wave of airstrikes on Tuesday after negotiations failed to secure a peace deal with Hamas due to a deadlock over hostage release.
The IDF confirmed that its ground invasion of southern Gaza’s Rafah is underway, with troops advancing in the north near Beit Lahiya and central areas.
Medical officials report that more than 590 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was broken on Tuesday, with the toll continuing to rise amid relentless bombardment and ground assaults.
Also read: Israeli onslaught kills 71 more in Gaza, raising toll to 540
Hamas retaliated by launching its first rockets towards Israel since the truce was shattered, while Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired a second ballistic missile at Israel within 48 hours of the first attack.
Both Hamas and the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli military site south of Tel Aviv.
Gaza’s Health Ministry states that at least 49,617 Palestinians have been killed and 112,950 wounded since the war began.
The Government Media Office in Gaza revised its death toll to more than 61,700, indicating that thousands of missing Palestinians trapped under rubble are presumed dead.
Meanwhile, at least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, with over 200 taken captive.
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