Israel launched an offensive to seize Gaza City, declaring it a combat zone and suspending humanitarian pauses. This expansion of the war, involving 60,000 reservists, drew international condemnation. While Israel recovered two hostages' bodies, concerns remain for the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza, prompting protests in Israel. Despite international pressure and pleas from hostage families, Israel plans to intensify strikes until all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled. The conflict, nearing its second anniversary, has claimed over 63,000 lives according to Palestinian reports, a figure disputed by Israel but deemed the most reliable by the UN due to media access restrictions.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.