Amid difficult discussions on extending the ceasefire in Gaza, which ended in the first phase, Israel has resumed large-scale airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in hundreds of fatalities.
According to foreign news reports including AFP, the Gaza Civil Defense stated that at least 470 people have died since Israel resumed large-scale airstrikes on the 17th and 18th. In Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, an entire family of 14 has been killed, and there have also been casualties among United Nations staff engaged in relief efforts.
According to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), one Bulgarian national was killed and five were injured. UNOPS criticized the casualties as resulting from the explosion of explosive devices, stating that attacks on humanitarian facilities are a violation of international law.
While Israel is investigating the incident, it denied any related responsibility. The spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted on X (formerly Twitter), "We mourn the death of a UN staff member of Bulgarian nationality in the Gaza Strip today. We are investigating the circumstances of this incident," while emphasizing that "no correlation has been found in initial investigations between the activities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and this incident."
Israel has also resumed military operations targeting Hamas on the ground. The Israel Defense Forces stated, "We have begun ground operations to expand security zones and create partial buffer zones between northern and southern Gaza."
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a video address targeted at Gaza residents, stated, "This is the final warning," adding, "Following the advice of the U.S. president, if hostages are returned and Hamas is eliminated, other options may open up."