Context:

Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza overnight have resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, including children, as reported by Palestinian health officials. The escalation comes as Israeli military action intensifies following the end of a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to mediate an end to the 18-month conflict. Israeli forces have called up additional troops and are reoccupying areas in Gaza, while Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded disarmament and the release of hostages by Hamas. Concurrently, Israeli jets targeted Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar in Khan Younis, hoping to weaken Hamas's negotiating position, although his fate remains unknown. Despite numerous assassinations of Hamas leaders, the group remains defiant, refusing to disarm or release hostages until Israel withdraws from Gaza and ends the conflict.

Dive Deeper:

• Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza have killed over 50 people, with bodies arriving at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, and the health ministry reporting around 70 deaths overall on Wednesday. The strikes included children among the casualties, with no distinction made between combatants and civilians by Gaza health officials.

• The Israeli military has not commented on the strikes, but a spokesman had previously warned of attacks in northern Gaza areas used by militants to launch rockets into Israel. These actions are part of a larger campaign that resumed after a ceasefire with Hamas ended in March.

• Efforts by the Trump administration to broker peace in the 18-month conflict have so far been unsuccessful, with over 50,000 reported dead and the region facing severe humanitarian crises, including near-starvation conditions.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened further escalation unless Hamas disarms and releases hostages. Israel is intensifying its military efforts, deploying additional soldiers and retaking territory in Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas into compliance.

• An Israeli airstrike targeted Hamas commander Muhammad Sinwar in Khan Younis, aiming to weaken Hamas's negotiating stance. Sinwar has been a key figure since the death of his brother, Yahya Sinwar, in 2023, who was involved in planning attacks that sparked the current conflict.

• Despite the elimination of several Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, Israel has not succeeded in compelling Hamas to agree to its terms for a truce. Hamas leaders have consistently refused to disarm or release hostages without an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

• The conflict traces back to a major attack on southern Israel in October 2023, orchestrated by Yahya Sinwar, which significantly heightened tensions and led to the ongoing military engagements between Israel and Hamas.