Israel Launches Limited Ground Operation in Gaza Amid Renewed Conflict; UN Staff Member Killed

Israel announced a "limited ground operation" in northern Gaza on Wednesday, following a fierce aerial offensive. The Israeli military aims to regain control of part of the Netzarim corridor, which divides the territory. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of intensified attacks if hostages are not released. During the ongoing Israeli airstrikes, the United Nations reported the death of one international staff member and injuries to five others in an attack on a UN guesthouse in Deir al-Balah. The UN official, Jorge Moreira da Silva, stated the explosive was "launched or fired." The Israeli military denied targeting the UN complex, but Moreira da Silva indicated previous strikes had occurred nearby. Since the resumption of hostilities, the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reports at least 436 fatalities, including 183 children and 94 women, with 678 injuries. The Israeli military claims to target only combatants and attributes civilian casualties to Hamas operating in densely populated areas.