Gaza: Israel launched a powerful wave of coordinated airstrikes on Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria on April 4, 2025, resulting in widespread destruction and the deaths of dozens of people, including a senior Hamas commander. The strikes followed the collapse of a temporary ceasefire and mark a sharp escalation in Israel’s military operations across the region.
In Gaza, Israeli warplanes targeted densely populated areas, including Khan Younis, killing at least 25 people in one day. Several schools being used as shelters were struck, forcing more than 280,000 civilians to flee once again. Just a day before, over 100 Palestinians were killed in a similar bombing spree. Israeli forces also resumed ground operations in northern Gaza, months after claiming to have withdrawn from the area.
In southern Lebanon, an Israeli missile strike hit a building in Sidon, killing senior Hamas commander Hassan Farhat, along with his son and daughter. Israel claimed that Farhat was involved in past attacks and posed a future threat, justifying the strike as a targeted elimination.
Meanwhile, in Syria, Israeli jets bombed areas near the capital, Damascus, striking what Israel described as weapons depots and militant infrastructure. Casualties were reported, though the exact numbers remain unclear. These strikes were aimed at preventing future attacks from forces believed to be backed by Iran.
This series of attacks came just a month after a temporary ceasefire brokered in March collapsed on March 2, reigniting tensions throughout the region. Israel stated the renewed offensive was necessary to eliminate terrorist threats operating from Gaza and neighboring countries. However, the scale and reach of the attacks, particularly the civilian casualties in Gaza, have sparked international concern.
Countries like Turkey have strongly condemned the strikes, warning that such aggression destabilizes the region further and undermines diplomatic efforts. The situation remains tense, with fears growing that continued strikes on Lebanon and Syria could ignite a wider conflict involving Hezbollah and other regional militias.
