Intense Fighting Continues in Gaza as hostage Families Protest
Following heavy overnight strikes, Israel‘s Defense Minister reportedly stated “Gaza is burning,” as teh military operation continues. Palestinian residents of Gaza City reported sustained heavy bombardment on Tuesday morning.
By noon, Shifa Hospital in Gaza City had received the bodies of 34 people killed in the strikes, alongside dozens of wounded, according to hospital official Dr. Rami Mhanna. Hospital director Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiyah described it as “a very tough night in Gaza,” stating “the bombing did not stop for a single moment.”
One resident, Saud al-Sakani, recounted the loss of her daughter, son-in-law, and their children in a strike that destroyed a home housing approximately 40 people. “An entire family!” she lamented at Shifa Hospital’s morgue, adding that many remain trapped under the rubble.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on these specific strikes, but has previously asserted that Hamas builds military infrastructure within civilian areas, notably in Gaza City.
The conflict is expanding beyond Gaza,with Israel also conducting strikes on Yemen’s port city of Hodeida in response to drone and missile attacks launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels,who claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians.
Meanwhile, families of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza have intensified their protests, gathering outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence and pleading for a halt to the Gaza City operation. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among those held, voiced her desperation, stating, “I have one interest: for this country to wake up and bring back my child along with 47 other hostages, both living and deceased, and to bring our soldiers home.” She further asserted, “If he stops at nothing and sends our precious, brave, heroic soldiers to fight while our hostages are being used as human shields, he is not a worthy prime minister.” Some protestors have erected tents and are remaining outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
Israel believes approximately 20 of the remaining hostages are still alive. Hamas has stated it will only release the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and Senator Marco rubio stated on Monday that the only path to resolving the conflict is the elimination of Hamas and the release of the 48 hostages,rejecting calls for an interim ceasefire.
The current conflict began on October 7,2023,when Hamas-led militants entered southern Israel,killing around 1,200 people,primarily civilians,and abducting 251. Most of the hostages have since been released through ceasefires facilitated by Qatar and other agreements.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry,at least 64,900 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory offensive. The ministry, which operates under Hamas governance and is staffed by medical professionals, reports that roughly half of the deceased are women and children.
