Israel Intensifies Assault on Gaza, Demands Full Control: Dozens Dead

Dozens of Palestinians were killed in new airstrikes on Gaza as the government announced its demand for control over the entire Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, a few trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza for the first time in two months. Tom Fletcher, head of UN humanitarian operations, described the aid as ‘a drop in the ocean.’ Israel has prohibited any humanitarian aid from entering since March 2nd and escalated aerial and ground operations, which resumed on March 18th after a two-month hiatus. The aim is to force Hamas to release remaining hostages and destroy the Palestinian Islamist movement. Hostages were taken during an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7th, 2023. In response, the Israeli military launched devastating large-scale operations causing thousands of deaths. Leaders from France, the UK, and Canada warned they won’t ‘sit idly’ while condemning Israel’s actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused them of rewarding Hamas and encouraging further atrocities. Battles are intensifying as Israel claims it will take full control of the Gaza Strip. Despite assurances that they target ‘terrorist sites,’ civilians have been urged to evacuate areas in southern Gaza ahead of an unprecedented assault. Scenes described by residents resemble ‘Apocalypse,’ with fires everywhere and continuous bombardment. Under diplomatic pressure, Israel announced it would allow a basic amount of food into Gaza, acknowledging concerns about mass starvation images. However, this move is seen as merely symbolic by organizations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Over two million people are starving in Gaza while tons of food remain blocked at borders, according to the World Health Organization.