Gaza: In a major escalation, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning, killing more than 200 people, according to Palestinian officials. This marks the deadliest attack on Gaza since a ceasefire came into effect in January, signaling a sharp breakdown in peace efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military offensive, stating that there had been no significant progress in talks aimed at extending the ceasefire. “Due to the lack of advancement in negotiations to prolong the truce, I authorized the military action,” Netanyahu said. His office further asserted, “Israel will now intensify its military operations against Hamas.”
Fear of Renewed Full-Scale Conflict
The overnight bombardment has shattered weeks of relative calm and raised fears of a full resumption of the 17-month-long conflict, which has already claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives and left Gaza in ruins. There is growing concern about the fate of approximately 24 Israeli hostages believed to still be alive in Hamas custody. The militant group condemned the Israeli airstrikes, warning that the renewed violence has endangered the lives of the remaining hostages.
Hamas Condemns Attack, Warns of Consequences
Hamas official Taher Nunu criticized the Israeli assault, calling it a blatant act of aggression against innocent civilians. “The international community faces a moral test—either allow the occupying forces to continue their crimes or uphold its commitment to end the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza,” Nunu stated.
Sounds of explosions echoed across Gaza, with ambulances rushing casualties to hospitals, including Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, which saw a surge of emergency arrivals.
Breakdown of Ceasefire Progress
These fresh attacks come two months after both sides agreed to a ceasefire aimed at halting the protracted conflict. In the first phase of the agreement, Hamas released about three dozen hostages in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. However, since the conclusion of this phase two weeks ago, negotiations have stalled over how to proceed with the release of approximately 60 remaining hostages and a possible permanent end to hostilities.
Netanyahu had repeatedly warned of resuming the war and earlier this month halted all food and humanitarian aid deliveries into the besieged Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas into action.
Israel Expanding Military Operation
An unnamed Israeli official revealed that the ongoing offensive is targeting Hamas militants, leadership, and infrastructure, with plans to expand the operation beyond airstrikes. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and stated that the attacks have jeopardized future negotiations and the safety of hostages.
Israel, however, maintains that the airstrikes were necessary due to the deadlock in ceasefire talks, and vowed to continue exerting military pressure on Hamas until its objectives are achieved.
As tensions soar and the humanitarian situation worsens in Gaza, global calls for restraint and renewed dialogue are intensifying to prevent further escalation of an already devastating conflict.
