Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive Following March Fatal Incident Involving Local Emergency Services
Executive Summary
The Israeli military has launched its largest ground and air assault in northern Gaza since March, killing nearly 100 people according to Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency. The assault, which targeted areas in Beit Lahia, comes amid ongoing efforts by Israel to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and follows a controversial March incident in which Israeli forces acknowledged firing on emergency vehicles misidentified as threats. The renewed offensive unfolds against the backdrop of stalled ceasefire negotiations, mounting humanitarian concerns, and intensified efforts to locate senior Hamas figures.
Analysis
Early Friday morning, Israeli forces launched coordinated ground, air, and naval strikes in northern Gaza, focusing on Beit Lahia and nearby areas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation was aimed at eliminating Hamas infrastructure and operatives. Gaza’s civil defense reported dozens of residential buildings and tents destroyed, with significant civilian casualties. Eyewitnesses described attempts to rescue those trapped under rubble amid continued bombardment.
The operation follows warnings issued by the IDF in the form of evacuation leaflets dropped over north Gaza. Israeli officials have emphasized the military’s effort to limit civilian harm by targeting what they describe as “terrorist infrastructure.” However, the scope of the destruction and displacement has reignited international scrutiny, particularly from humanitarian groups.
This week’s escalation also follows a March incident in Rafah in which Israeli troops fired on vehicles later identified as ambulances and fire trucks. The IDF said the vehicles were suspected of being used by armed groups, a claim consistent with Israel’s broader allegation that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The incident drew sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations and sparked renewed debate about the rules of engagement in urban conflict zones.
On Tuesday, an Israeli strike targeted the European Hospital in Khan Younis, killing 28 people, including a journalist previously injured in another attack. Israel stated the target was a Hamas command center beneath the facility. Separately, another strike reportedly aimed at senior Hamas commander Muhammad Sinwar, whose status remains unconfirmed. The IDF claims Sinwar was in a tunnel complex under the hospital, part of what it describes as a wider network used for military operations.
Israel has continued to maintain a blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza, with Israeli officials asserting that Hamas diverts and misuses resources. Aid agencies and the United Nations warn of worsening conditions, with recent reports indicating Gaza’s population is at serious risk of famine. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both acknowledged growing humanitarian concerns, with the U.S. signaling potential support for expanded aid access.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse, with indirect talks ongoing in Doha. Israel has stated that if no agreement is reached by the end of Trump’s regional visit, military operations in Gaza may intensify further. Israeli officials have reiterated their commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages taken in the October 7, 2023 attacks, during which over 1,200 Israelis were killed.
While the IDF says Friday’s operations do not yet constitute a full-scale ground invasion, the scale and coordination of the assault suggest a significant shift in Israel’s military posture. With multiple evacuations underway and continued uncertainty over the fate of key Hamas leaders, the region remains on high alert.
