Israel's renewed attacks on Gaza kill nearly 600, including 200 children

At least 200 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed its military operations in the besieged Palestinian enclave earlier this week, according to UNICEF.

The humanitarian crisis in the region is worsening as Israeli ground troops advance in both the southern and northern areas of Gaza, reports Aljazeera.

Israeli forces have launched a ground invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, while simultaneously pushing into northern areas near Beit Lahiya and central regions, the Israeli military confirmed.

Medical authorities report that more than 590 Palestinians have been killed since Israel broke the ceasefire on Tuesday, with the death toll continuing to climb as intense airstrikes and ground assaults persist.

Gaza's Health Ministry states that at least 49,617 Palestinians have been killed and 112,950 wounded since the war began. However, the Government Media Office in Gaza estimates the total number of deaths at more than 61,700, accounting for thousands of people presumed dead beneath the rubble.

The latest escalation follows the collapse of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The conflict was reignited after failed negotiations and increasing hostilities on both sides.

The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas-led attacks in Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,139 people, with more than 200 taken captive. In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza, leading to mass casualties and a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.

The international community has voiced growing alarm over the rising civilian toll, particularly the high number of children killed. Humanitarian agencies continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access to aid for Gaza's besieged population.