Gaza City: Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday marking its heaviest assault on the territory since the ceasefire took effect in January. Hospitals reported at least 235 deaths, including women and children.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were ordered due to a lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” his office stated. The operation is open-ended and expected to expand, with the White House voicing support for Israel’s actions.
The surprise attack shattered the relative calm of Ramadan and raised concerns about the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The group accused Netanyahu of violating the ceasefire, calling on mediators to hold Israel responsible.
The ceasefire deal reached two months ago saw Hamas release 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However talks for a second phase stalled as Hamas demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insisted on destroying Hamas’ military capabilities before ending the war.
Airstrikes pounded Khan Younis with Associated Press reporters witnessing plumes of smoke and ambulances rushing casualties to Nasser Hospital. In Rafah, a strike on a home killed 17 members of one family including at least 12 women and children.
Rescuers were still searching for victims and hospitals were overwhelmed. The European Hospital received bodies of five children their parents and another father with his three children.
The White House blamed Hamas for the renewed fighting, stating the group “chose refusal and war” by not releasing hostages. US envoy Steve Witkoff warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately or face severe consequences.
An Israeli official speaking anonymously said the military was targeting Hamas’ infrastructure leaders, and forces. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned “The gates of hell will open in Gaza” if hostages aren’t freed.
The renewed fighting has deepened divisions within Israel, with mass protests planned against Netanyahu’s handling of the war and hostage crisis. He also faces backlash for his decision to fire the head of Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet.
Gaza City: Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday marking its heaviest assault on the territory since the ceasefire took effect in January. Hospitals reported at least 235 deaths, including women and children.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were ordered due to a lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” his office stated. The operation is open-ended and expected to expand, with the White House voicing support for Israel’s actions.
The surprise attack shattered the relative calm of Ramadan and raised concerns about the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The group accused Netanyahu of violating the ceasefire, calling on mediators to hold Israel responsible.
The ceasefire deal reached two months ago saw Hamas release 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However talks for a second phase stalled as Hamas demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insisted on destroying Hamas’ military capabilities before ending the war.
Airstrikes pounded Khan Younis with Associated Press reporters witnessing plumes of smoke and ambulances rushing casualties to Nasser Hospital. In Rafah, a strike on a home killed 17 members of one family including at least 12 women and children.
Rescuers were still searching for victims and hospitals were overwhelmed. The European Hospital received bodies of five children their parents and another father with his three children.
The White House blamed Hamas for the renewed fighting, stating the group “chose refusal and war” by not releasing hostages. US envoy Steve Witkoff warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately or face severe consequences.
An Israeli official speaking anonymously said the military was targeting Hamas’ infrastructure leaders, and forces. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned “The gates of hell will open in Gaza” if hostages aren’t freed.
The renewed fighting has deepened divisions within Israel, with mass protests planned against Netanyahu’s handling of the war and hostage crisis. He also faces backlash for his decision to fire the head of Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet.
