A family of six and a senior Hamas spokesperson were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes overnight in the northern Gaza Strip. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry and Hamas officials, the attacks occurred shortly after the breakdown of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faced domestic backlash as the Knesset passed a controversial part of his judicial overhaul plan. Critics argue that the overhaul is a move to centralize power in the hands of the far-right government.
Escalating Violence in Gaza
The situation in Gaza has worsened since Israel broke its ceasefire with Hamas last week. Israel has launched a series of airstrikes, which have claimed the lives of more than 800 people in Gaza. The strikes have intensified, with Israel warning that they will escalate further if Hamas does not release hostages, disarm, and vacate the territory.
Hamas, for its part, has stated it will only release the remaining 59 hostages—24 of whom are believed to be alive—if Israel agrees to a lasting ceasefire and withdraws its forces from Gaza.
Civilian Casualties and Key Hamas Figures Targeted
On the night of the attacks, Israel targeted a home in northern Gaza, killing a family of six. Shortly after, Israeli airstrikes also hit a tent in the Jabaliya area where senior Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua was staying. He was killed in the strike, as confirmed by Basem Naim, another Hamas official.
The ongoing violence in Gaza continues to affect civilians, with the Health Ministry reporting hundreds of injured individuals and families being displaced. As the airstrikes intensify, the toll on Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure grows.
Israeli Domestic Unrest
Meanwhile, in Israel, public protests have intensified. Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Thursday, blocking highways in protest of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. The protesters are calling for an end to the war in Gaza and for new elections. Demonstrators held signs decrying the ongoing violence and demanding changes in the government’s approach to security.
Among the protesters were retired generals and former security officials, who expressed grave concerns about Israel’s security under Netanyahu’s leadership. They warned that Israel is “on the brink of an abyss” due to the current political climate and the ongoing conflict.
In addition to protests against the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict, critics are also voicing concerns about Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan. The Israeli parliament’s passing of a key component of the plan has sparked mass protests over the past few weeks, with opponents arguing that it undermines the democratic checks and balances in the country. The judicial changes are seen by many as a power grab by Netanyahu’s far-right government.
Palestinian Protest Against Hamas
In a rare display of public dissent against Hamas, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank held anti-war protests, denouncing the militant group’s actions. These protests were seen as an unusual expression of anger against Hamas, highlighting the complex political situation within the Palestinian territories.
International Reactions
The international community continues to monitor the escalating situation. Various nations and organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilian lives. The United Nations has urged both Israel and Hamas to return to negotiations, with the aim of securing a sustainable peace agreement.
As the situation remains fluid, Israel’s stance on hostages and military objectives in Gaza shows no signs of softening. Hamas, in turn, has vowed to continue its fight until its conditions are met. The standoff has resulted in immense suffering for the civilian populations on both sides of the conflict.
