Israel claims victory in Gaza amidst continued devastation

The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages—Ofra Keidar, Yonatan Samerani, and soldier Shay Levinson. The three had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, and their deaths were confirmed prior to the recovery. The announcement comes amid ongoing violence in the besieged Palestinian enclave, where over 33 Palestinians were killed on the same day.

escalating violence and shifting narratives

Western media outlets widely shared images and tributes for the deceased hostages while largely omitting Gaza’s mounting death toll. The enclave remains under constant bombardment, with over 56,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed since the conflict’s escalation. Tens of thousands more remain missing under rubble, as homes, hospitals, and shelters are systematically destroyed.

Despite opportunities to negotiate for the release of its captives over the past 20 months, Israel has instead intensified its military campaign in Gaza and deepened its occupation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tied the conflict in Gaza to broader regional tensions, claiming that military operations against Iran are aiding efforts to defeat Hamas and secure hostages.

“We are getting closer, step by step, to our objectives: defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home,” Netanyahu stated on Sunday.

iran and broader regional conflict

The conflict has expanded to include direct confrontations between Israel and Iran. Last week, Iran launched 20 ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israeli strikes, with one missile reportedly striking Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, southern Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli forces targeted Iran’s state broadcasting headquarters during a live broadcast, further inflaming tensions.

humanitarian crisis in gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The Israeli–US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), established in May after a three-month total blockade, has become a last resort for Palestinians seeking aid. However, these distribution sites have frequently been targeted by Israeli attacks, resulting in over 400 deaths and nearly 2,000 injuries.

Gaza’s healthcare system has collapsed under relentless bombardment. Hospitals have been destroyed, medical staff targeted, and essential medicines blocked. A fuel ban has rendered ambulances inoperable, leaving thousands of wounded Palestinians to die without medical care.

Hamas has repeatedly offered to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israel has rejected these terms, opting to continue its military campaign.

a grim toll

As of now, 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, Israel holds over 10,000 Palestinians in its prisons, including 400 children and nearly 4,000 detainees held without charge. Human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses within these detention facilities.

Israel’s military strategy, tied to its regional ambitions, continues to exact a devastating toll on Gaza’s civilian population, intensifying calls for accountability and justice from the international community.