Gaza: The Israeli military has announced the commencement of a 'limited ground operation' aimed at reclaiming control over the Netzarim corridor, a critical strategic strip that divides Gaza.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, this development marks a notable escalation in Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has disrupted a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that had been in effect since January. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that the latest airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 436 Palestinians, including 183 children and 94 women, making Tuesday the deadliest day in Gaza since the conflict began.

The Netzarim corridor, historically used by Israel as a military zone, separates northern and southern Gaza. Under the terms of the earlier ceasefire, Israeli forces had vacated the area, but the renewed military campaign has seen their return. Israel Katz, the Israeli minister of military affairs, has indicated that evacuations from combat zones in Gaza will soon restart. He issued a stern warning that if prisoners held by Hamas are not released, Israel will respond with unprecedented intensity.

In a televised address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the airstrikes were merely the first phase of a larger military campaign in Gaza. The ground offensive is expected to lead to further displacement of Palestinians, many of whom had returned to their homes following the establishment of a 'buffer zone' along the border during the brief ceasefire.

The resurgence of hostilities has attracted international condemnation and heightened concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.