At least 330 people were killed in Gaza on Tuesday as Israeli forces launched their most extensive strikes since the ceasefire with Hamas began on January 19. The attacks came amid stalled truce negotiations with Israel citing Hamas’ refusal to release hostages as the primary reason for resuming military operations.
Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that the strikes, which occurred during Ramadan, primarily killed children, women, and the elderly while around 150 others sustained injuries. Explosions were heard across multiple locations including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Rafah. Hamas’ internal security chief Mahmud Abu Watfa was reportedly among the casualties.
Israel Justifies Attacks, Orders School Closures
In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they were carrying out “extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to Hamas in the Gaza Strip.” The Israeli government later announced that the decision to strike was made due to “Hamas’ repeated refusal to release hostages” despite mediation efforts by US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared that Israel would now act with “increased military strength” to achieve its objectives, including the release of hostages. The government also ordered the closure of schools in areas bordering Gaza due to security concerns.
Hamas Accuses Netanyahu of Using War for Political Gain
Hamas condemned the renewed offensive, accusing Netanyahu of “sacrificing” hostages for political survival. The group stated that breaking the ceasefire exposed hostages in Gaza to an “unknown fate” and held the Israeli leader responsible for violating the agreement.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that Israel had consulted the Trump administration before carrying out the strikes.
Stalled Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Disputes
The ceasefire talks reached a deadlock as Israel pushed to extend the first phase of the agreement, demanding the “total demilitarization” of Gaza before transitioning to phase two. Hamas, however, insisted that it would resume releasing hostages only under the second phase, originally set to begin on March 2.
Last week, Hamas proposed freeing American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and four hostages’ bodies in exchange for the immediate initiation of phase two. Israel dismissed the offer, accusing Hamas of using hostages for psychological warfare.
Since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly cross-border raid into Israel, over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli retaliatory strikes, with more than 112,000 wounded.
