UN Reports Two Workers Killed in Gaza as Israeli Airstrikes Resume

The United Nations confirms the death of two aid workers in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes resume, escalating tensions in the region.

At least 13 individuals lost their lives in airstrikes across Gaza overnight, following Israel’s announcement of a renewed military offensive “in full force” within the Palestinian territory.

According to the Palestinian Wafa news agency, citing Red Crescent medics, two civilians were killed and five others sustained injuries when an Israeli drone struck a tent near the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.

The Israeli military stated that it targeted a site it identified as a Hamas military location, from which the group was allegedly preparing to launch attacks into Israel. Additionally, vessels operated by Hamas were reportedly struck.

While the scale of the bombing is not as extensive as that of Tuesday, it indicates a continuation of Israel’s renewed assault.

Tom Fletcher, the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, remarked on Tuesday’s strikes, noting that “the intensity of the killings is now off the scale.”

Wafa reported that a woman and a child were killed in an airstrike north of Khan Younis overnight into Wednesday, while four others died in a strike in Gaza City.

Gaza’s health ministry has not yet provided a death toll for the most recent airstrikes.

The strikes on Tuesday represented the most intense bombardment since a fragile ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement was established on January 19, occurring after Israel and Hamas failed to reach an agreement on advancing beyond the initial phase.

The ceasefire deal consists of three stages, with negotiations for the second stage intended to commence six weeks ago, but this did not materialize.

The proposed second phase would involve Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza; however, Israel and the US have instead advocated for an extension of the first phase, which would involve the release of more hostages in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners.

Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the resumption of hostilities as a return to Israel’s core objectives: securing the release of hostages and eliminating Hamas. However, families of the hostages have criticized this decision, arguing that it reflects the government’s abandonment of their loved ones.