Hamas launched rockets at Tel Aviv on Thursday, marking its first military response to Israel’s resumption of air and ground operations in Gaza, which has resulted in a rising civilian death toll. The armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, stated that the rocket attack was in retaliation for Israel’s “massacres” of civilians in Gaza.

The Israeli military confirmed intercepting one projectile, while two others landed in uninhabited areas. Meanwhile, Israel announced the closure of Gaza’s main north-south route, Salaheddin Road, as it expanded its ground operations. Army spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that the move was part of efforts to “expand the security zone” between northern and southern Gaza.

The renewed violence has shattered the relative calm that had prevailed since a ceasefire took effect on January 19, 2025. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that 504 people, including more than 190 children, have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive earlier this week.

At the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, grieving families mourned their loved ones, with some appealing for an end to the violence. “We want a ceasefire! We are defenceless Palestinian people,” said Mohammed Hussein, a bereaved family member, in an emotional plea to the international community.

The Israeli army has banned traffic on Salaheddin Road, urging residents to use the Al-Rashid coastal road for travel between northern and southern Gaza. However, it remains unclear whether movement from south to north is permitted. An official from Gaza’s Hamas-run interior ministry reported that Israeli tanks had deployed at Netzarim Junction, a key crossing point on Salaheddin Road, following the withdrawal of American private security contractors earlier this week.

The ceasefire, which had been brokered in January, expired earlier this month amid deadlock over its extension. Israel had demanded the return of all remaining hostages before discussing a lasting ceasefire, a condition rejected by Hamas as an attempt to renegotiate the original agreement.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), condemned the ongoing violence, describing it as “an endless unleashing of the most inhumane ordeals” on Gaza’s population. “Under our daily watch, people in Gaza are again & again going through their worst nightmare,” he wrote on X.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also weighed in, calling Israel’s strikes a “catastrophic crime” and holding the United States partly responsible.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to Israeli figures, the initial Hamas attack killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians. In Gaza, the health ministry reported an overall death toll of over 48,570 as of Monday, before the latest round of intense strikes resumed.

Amazon is set to cut 14,000 managerial positions by early 2025 as part of its ongoing cost-reduction strategy, according to reports. This move, which accounts for a 13% reduction in its global management workforce, is expected to help the company save between Rs 210 crore and Rs 360 crore annually. Following the layoffs, Amazon’s total managerial headcount will drop from 1,05,770 to 91,936, according to the report.

Part of broader restructuring strategy

The job cuts come as Amazon continues to restructure its workforce, having previously trimmed roles in its communications and sustainability divisions. CEO Andy Jassy has been leading a strategic overhaul to eliminate bureaucratic layers and enhance operational efficiency.

In line with these changes, the company has launched a “bureaucracy tipline”, allowing employees to report inefficiencies. Additionally, Amazon has revised its managerial directives, focusing on:

• Expanding the number of direct reports per manager
• Limiting senior-level recruitment
• Reviewing compensation structures

These steps are aimed at improving productivity and profitability while ensuring a leaner management structure.

Focus on core business operations

Amazon has also discontinued certain initiatives, including the ‘Try Before You Buy’ clothing programme and a rapid brick-and-mortar delivery service, as it shifts focus to its core business areas.

CEO Andy Jassy’s strategy includes raising the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% by 2025. His approach is designed to streamline decision-making and remove unnecessary management layers, facilitating faster operations.

Changes in workplace policies

The restructuring follows Amazon’s decision to enforce an in-office work policy, requiring employees to return five days a week starting January 2025. Jassy previously stated that office-based work would enhance collaboration and efficiency.

According to an October 2024 report by Morgan Stanley, Amazon’s restructuring is expected to eliminate around 13,834 managerial roles by early 2025.

Workforce expansion and previous layoffs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon saw a surge in its workforce, growing from 7.98 lakh employees in 2019 to over 16 lakh by the end of 2021. However, the company later scaled back, cutting 27,000 jobs in 2022 and 2023.

With these latest layoffs, Amazon continues its transition towards a more cost-effective and streamlined workforce, prioritizing efficiency over managerial expansion.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth after spending an unexpected 286 days in space. Originally meant to be an eight-day mission, the duo faced prolonged delays due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which left them stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Williams and Wilmore finally made their journey back aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the ocean near Florida. The mission, which initially launched on June 5 last year, concluded with a safe landing early this morning.

Splashdown near Florida

After spending 17 hours in transit back to Earth, the capsule deployed its parachute, ensuring a controlled descent before making a water landing. NASA teams were on standby to retrieve the astronauts, assisting them onto mobility aids as they adapted to Earth’s gravity.

Williams was seen waving and flashing thumbs-up signs as she emerged from the capsule, signaling a positive return despite the physical challenges posed by prolonged space travel.

SpaceX ensures safe return

The return of the astronauts was made possible through SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. The Dragon capsule, which was launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, was sent to replace Crew-9 at the ISS. The spacecraft undocked at 10:35 am (IST), with NASA sharing visuals of the departure.

From an eight-day mission to nine months in space

Williams and Wilmore initially traveled to the ISS on what was to be the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, the Starliner developed propulsion issues and was deemed unfit for the return journey. NASA reassigned them to SpaceX’s Crew-9, and in September, a Dragon capsule was sent with a two-member crew to ensure their safe return.

After multiple delays, a relief team finally arrived on Sunday, paving the way for their journey home.

Challenges faced by returning astronauts

A prolonged stay in space presents multiple health challenges. Astronauts experience muscle and bone density loss due to the lack of gravity, which can lead to long-term physical impairments. NASA estimates that for every month in space, astronauts’ weight-bearing bones lose approximately one percent of their density.

Radiation exposure is another concern, as the Earth’s atmosphere provides protection that is unavailable in space. Vision impairment and weakened muscles are also common issues faced by astronauts after extended space travel.

PM Modi acknowledges Sunita Williams’ achievements

Ahead of her return, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter to Sunita Williams, praising her resilience and contribution to space exploration. The letter, dated March 1 and shared publicly by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, expressed India’s pride in Williams’ achievements.

PM Modi mentioned that he had discussed Williams’ mission with both former US President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, during his visits to the United States. “1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance,” the letter read.

Williams’ return marks the end of an eventful mission filled with challenges and triumphs, further reinforcing her legacy as a seasoned space traveler.