• Over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the conflict, with the death toll rising amid intensified Israeli airstrikes.
• Recent military operations have resulted in significant casualties, including women and children, as Israel expands ground operations in Rafah.
• Rights groups express concerns that Israel's plans for the voluntary departure of Palestinians may violate international law.
• Protests are growing in Israel against Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the conflict, resulting in calls for new negotiations regarding the ceasefire.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — In a grim milestone, more than 50,000 Palestinians have now lost their lives in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, as confirmed by Gaza’s Health Ministry. Just last night, new Israeli airstrikes led to 26 additional deaths, including a political leader of Hamas and several women and children.

The Israeli military has reported advancing ground troops into the southern city of Rafah, compelling thousands of residents to evacuate amid fresh military orders. These developments follow the cessation of the latest ceasefire with a sudden wave of airstrikes that reportedly killed hundreds, with a focus on targeting militants.

On Saturday, Israel's Cabinet approved a controversial proposal aimed at facilitating the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians, reflecting proposals previously outlined by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at resettling Gaza. Local and international rights organizations have decried this plan, asserting it contravenes international law and risks forced expulsion.

Evacuating neighborhoods have been heavily affected; residents in the already devastated Tel al-Sultan area were instructed to leave via a singular path leading to Muwasi, which is comprised mainly of makeshift tent camps. “It’s displacement under fire,” commented Mustafa Gaber, a journalist who recently fled the area with his family amidst alarming conditions, saying that “hundreds of people” were evacuating as artillery fire echoed in the streets.

Further emphasizing the humanitarian crisis, the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency services reported losing contact with medical teams responding to strikes, underlining the dangerous conditions for healthcare workers attempting to assist victims of violence.

The airstrikes' impact has been devastating. Hospitals in southern Gaza have received numerous casualties, with reports indicating that more than half of the deceased are women and children, while the Health Ministry noted 15,613 children have died since the conflict reignited.

The initial ceasefire, which took place in January, had brought a brief respite from violence, but negotiations for a more permanent solution never materialized, particularly after both parties failed to adhere to preconditions. Initial discussions were supposed to address the release of remaining hostages and outline commitments towards lasting peace.

As the conflict escalates, domestic discontent grows within Israel. Hundreds gathered in protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's management of the war, signaling a push for a change in strategic direction.

In parallel events, Iran-supported Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched missiles at Israel, claiming solidarity with the Palestinian plight. The Israeli military has successfully intercepted these attacks without reported casualties.

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