Israeli military operations in Gaza cause widespread casualties

Israeli military operations have resumed in the Gaza Strip, leading to a surge in casualties. On Wednesday, the Israeli forces launched ground operations and airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians. This escalation comes just a day after over 400 Palestinians were killed in one of the conflict's deadliest days. The violence disrupted a ceasefire that had been mostly in place since January. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported that medical teams are overwhelmed by the increasing number of casualties. In addition, the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) announced that one of its staff members was killed in an attack at their headquarters in Gaza, criticizing the strikes against humanitarian sites as violations of international law. The health ministry in Gaza updated the war death toll to nearly 49,550. The recent fighting caused many families, especially those with young children, to flee from northern Gaza to the south. Israel had previously warned residents to evacuate areas it described as combat zones. World leaders are expressing serious concern over the renewed fighting. French President Emmanuel Macron called the resumption of Israeli strikes a dramatic setback. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that the raids are damaging hopes for peace, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled the new strikes unacceptable. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire are currently stalled. The first phase of a ceasefire deal expired in early March, with Israel and the US attempting to extend it, which Hamas has rejected. This disagreement centers on prisoner exchanges and conditions for a longer-term peace agreement.