Gaza Witnesses Escalating Death Toll as Israel Resumes Airstrikes

In the heart of the conflict, the Hamas-run health ministry reports a grim toll of 109 lives lost since the morning's resumption of hostilities.

picture taken from southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke rising from buildings after being hit by Israeli strikes, as battles resume between Israel and Hamas militants, on December 1, 2023. (Photo: AFP)

Israel resumed its airstrikes on Gaza, targeting over 200 locations in the densely populated Palestinian territory, despite international calls for a renewed truce. The Hamas-run health ministry reported a death toll of at least 109 people in Gaza since the expiration of the morning ceasefire, with ground battles and Israeli air strikes resuming.

Israel claimed that Hamas attempted to break the truce by firing a rocket before its end and failing to provide a list of hostages for potential release. The United Nations and the White House called for a restoration of the ceasefire, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation as bombs fell and hospitals struggled to cope.

Image source: www.al-monitor.com

Despite diplomatic efforts, Israel maintained a tough stance, blaming Hamas for the renewed fighting and vowing to dismantle the Islamist movement. The Israeli military targeted Hamas locations across the Gaza Strip, while outgoing missiles were fired towards Israel.

Gaza death toll mounts as Israel resumes bombardment. Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/

The situation escalated, with reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. International mediators continued talks, but combat resumed as Hamas and Israel traded accusations. The conflict reignited even as hopes persisted for a renewal of the truce that had allowed for the release of hostages and increased aid flow into Gaza during the preceding week.

Stay tuned for more updates on the story.