Chaos in the Gaza Strip: Over 40 Dead in Latest Israeli Airstrikes
- Deadly Israeli airstrikes in Gaza claim lives of 44 civilians
On a fateful Sunday, six lives, including three little angels, were tragically snuffed out near a bustling bakery in the heart of Gaza City. Death stalked the very air as Israeli warplanes resumed their relentless assault on Hamas targets in the long-suffering Gaza Strip.
AFP news team captured harrowing footage of massive smoke plumes rising over the center and north of the embattled region, the remains of Israel's destructive airstrikes. These aerial assaults, which resumed amidst a ceasefire that had held since early January, sent shivers of fear and despair throughout the besieged territory.
To make matters worse, the Israeli army also launched a new ground operation in the Palestinian territory as negotiations for a ceasefire extension and the release of hostages held captive by Hamas remained at a stalemate.
This troubled history dates back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas and affiliated militant Palestinian groups exploded onto the scene with a devastating attack on Israel. This shockwave resulted in the slaughter of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 hostages, who were transported to the Gaza Strip. As of now, 58 hostages still languish in the clutches of the Islamists, with 34 reported dead by Israeli army statements.
The fatal response from the Israeli government was swift and merciless as they launched a massive military operation in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas health authority, while independent and unverified, claims that over 50,600 people have perished in the ensuing chaos.
- Gaza City
- Civil Defense
- Airstrike
- Hamas
- Gaza Strip
- Sunday
- Israel
- Mahmud Abbas
- AFP
- Bakery
- Children
Fact-Check: The Roots of the Conflict
The troubled landscape of Gaza has been marred by conflict between Hamas and Israel for years. Here's a brief timeline:
- October 7, 2023: Hamas launches a surprise attack on Israel, firing over 2,200 rockets and sending fighters into Israeli territory, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 Israeli citizens.
- Modified Ceasefire Agreement: Following numerous negotiations, a modified ceasefire agreement was agreed upon by Israel and Hamas on January 19, 2025, leading to a temporary truce. This agreement included eight rounds of hostage and prisoner exchanges.
- Rejection of Ceasefire Extension: On March 1, 2025, Israel proposed an extension of the ceasefire but was rejected by Hamas, sparking renewed violence.
- Humanitarian Aid Blockade: On March 2, 2025, Israel blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a move condemned by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
- Resumption of Airstrikes and Ground Operations: On March 18, Israel resumed full-scale airstrikes and ground operations against Hamas, breaking the ceasefire and triggering a fresh wave of destruction and suffering in the Gaza Strip.
In the midst of the ongoing conflict, the European Union stands firm in its commitment to the UN Charter and the UN Charter, calling for an immediate de-escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip. On a fateful Sunday, six lives, including three children, were tragically lost near a bustling bakery in Gaza City, as Israel resumed airstrikes on Hamas targets. These airstrikes, which resumed amidst a ceasefire that had held since early January, were met with strong condemnation from the international community.
