TL;DR
- Netanyahu instructs Israeli military to intensify operations against Hamas
- Hamas had previously rejected a temporary truce proposal
- At least 90 Palestinians reported dead in 48 hours due to Israeli strikes
What You Need to Know
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a critical instruction to the Israeli military, demanding an escalation in the conflict with Palestinian militant group Hamas following their refusal of a proposed temporary truce.
The escalation comes in the wake of a rejected ceasefire, prompting Netanyahu to call for increased strikes. This recent move by the Israeli leader has sparked international concerns amid reports of a rising Palestinian death toll due to Israeli offensives.
Hamas’s Truce Rejection
Earlier, an offer for a temporary truce was presented to Hamas, but dismissed outright by the group. This refusal, according to Netanyahu, gave the Israeli forces the much-needed impetus to intensify their operations.
Escalation of the Crisis
Within a span of 48 hours, more than 90 Palestinians, including several children, have been killed by Israeli strikes according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Large swathes of the region now lie in ruins, marking one of the most severe escalations in recent years.
Final Thoughts
Netanyahu’s instruction to the Israeli military illustrates a dark new phase of the ongoing volatility. The situation calls for urgent international mediation to prevent further bloodshed and spiralling escalation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu giving a serious speech in a room with an Israeli flag in the background