Israeli Forces Intensify Ground Offensive in Gaza Amidst Growing Global Concerns

Renewed Attacks Continue in Rafah as Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

Jerusalem, March 17, 2025 – Israel’s military has intensified its ground operations across Gaza, urging Palestinian civilians to evacuate as its offensive in Rafah enters its second week. The renewed military action has drawn strong reactions from international leaders, including Germany, the UK, and France, who have urged a return to the January ceasefire agreement.

On Sunday, March 16, Israeli forces launched coordinated air and ground strikes in Tal al-Sultan, a densely populated district of southern Gaza’s Rafah city. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee announced on social media platform X that Israeli troops are targeting what he called “terrorist organizations” operating in the area.

As part of its military strategy, Israel has been dropping leaflets urging Palestinian civilians to evacuate the “dangerous combat zone” and move northward. However, aid groups warn that safe zones do not exist as bombings continue across Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Food and Water Supplies Dwindle

The humanitarian situation in southern Gaza continues to deteriorate. In Khan Yunis, where millions of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter, food and water supplies have nearly run out.

• Iman al-Bardawil, a 19-year-old Palestinian, described the suffering at a local charity kitchen, saying:

  “We are in the month of Ramadan, a sacred time, yet people are struggling to find basic food and water.”

• Saed Abu al-Jidyan, who fled northern Gaza, echoed similar concerns:

  “I came to get rice for the children, but it’s already gone. The borders are closed, and my salary has been suspended since the war began. Gaza has no food left.”

Israel Blocks Humanitarian Aid & Electricity to Gaza

Israel's renewed military operation follows its decision in early March to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Additionally, Israel cut off electricity supplies, which previously powered Gaza’s main water desalination plant. These actions have further exacerbated the crisis for 2.4 million Palestinians, limiting their access to clean water and essential resources.

International organizations, including the United Nations, have warned that Israel’s restrictions are worsening an already dire humanitarian catastrophe. Calls for a ceasefire have intensified, but the Israeli government maintains that military pressure is necessary to force Hamas to agree to prisoner releases.

Hamas Officials Killed in Israeli Strikes

As airstrikes and ground battles continue, several high-profile Hamas figures have been killed in Israeli attacks:

• Salah al-Bardawil – A senior Hamas political leader, killed alongside his wife in an Israeli airstrike on a displacement camp in al-Mawasi, Khan Yunis.

• Mohammed Hassan al-Amur – A close bodyguard of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, killed in a targeted overnight strike.

• Mahmud Abu Watfa & Bahjat Abu Sultan – Two Hamas security officials killed earlier this week.

Bardawil, a veteran Hamas leader, had been a prominent spokesperson and key political strategist within the organization since its founding in 1987. His death marks the third Hamas political bureau member eliminated in the past week.

International Calls for Ceasefire Grow

Amidst the escalating violence, Pope Francis made an urgent appeal for an end to the Israeli military campaign. Speaking from Vatican City, he urged all parties to resume dialogue:

“We must put an end to these attacks and find a peaceful resolution. The prisoners must be released, and a permanent ceasefire must be established.”

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 637 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed airstrikes last Tuesday. Humanitarian organizations warn that if the bombardment continues, the death toll could rise significantly in the coming weeks.

What’s Next?

As global leaders push for renewed ceasefire talks, Israeli officials insist that military operations will persist until their objectives are met. Meanwhile, Palestinian civilians remain trapped, facing an increasingly desperate humanitarian situation.

The possibility of a diplomatic resolution remains uncertain as tensions escalate, and the world watches Gaza's unfolding tragedy with deep concern.