More than 50,000 people have been killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza since October 2023, according to data cited by the UN.
In the week since Israel and Hamas’ ceasefire collapsed, the IDF has relaunched a ground invasion in Gaza and continued airstrikes, killing hundreds. Hamas and the Houthis have fired rockets into Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also ordered the IDF to strike “Hezbollah targets” in Lebanon, after rockets were launched into northern Israel. Hezbollah has denied responsibility. Here’s the latest.
Ceasefire
A ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel came into effect on 19 January, 470 days after Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023.
Its first phase required Hamas to release 33 hostages over six weeks, in exchange for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
When Hamas rejected a U.S. proposal to extend the first phase and release the remaining hostages, Israel cut off its aid and electricity supply to Gaza.
Netanyahu then instructed the IDF to “take strong action,” which has led to rounds of air strikes, and a ground operation to separate Gaza’s north and south.
Gaza
According to data cited by the United Nations, the latest round of IDF strikes has brought the death toll in Gaza to more than 50,000 since October 2023.
Israeli airstrikes have continued this week. Hamas confirmed its political leader was killed in an airstrike on a hospital in Gaza. Israel said a “key terrorist” was targeted in the attack.
Meanwhile, Philippe Lazzarini, director of the UN Relief and Works Agency, has called for the strikes to stop and the remaining hostages to be released. He described Israel’s blockage of aid as “collective punishment.”
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UN Report
Earlier this month, a UN committee released a report alleging “sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians” by Israeli forces in Gaza.
The UN report alleged sexual violence against Palestinian women and girls was carried out after “the explicit orders” or “implicit encouragement” of senior Israeli leaders. It also alleged attacks on sexual and reproductive health care facilities in Gaza were a “method of war” by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the findings and labelled the UN Human Rights Council as “antisemitic, rotten and terrorist supporting”.
Lebanon
Hezbollah started regularly launching missiles and rockets at Israel shortly after Hamas’ October 2023 attack. Australia lists the group as a terrorist organisation. Israel responded with its own missile strikes and ground incursions.
According to Israeli authorities, Hezbollah attacks killed at least 75 people in Israel. Lebanese authorities say Israeli forces killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon.
Hezbollah and Israel negotiated a ceasefire last November. The IDF was required to withdraw from Lebanon over 60 days, as the Lebanese army moved into place. The deadline was later extended.
On Saturday (local time), rockets were launched into northern Israel from Lebanon. There were no casualties.
Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the rockets, and the Lebanese army said it has dismantled rocket launchers in the country’s south.
In response, the IDF launched widespread airstrikes, killing at least six people, including one child.
Lebanese media reports President Joseph Aoun has described the situation as “attempts to once again drag Lebanon into the cycle of violence.”
