Israeli airstrikes killed at least 200 people across Gaza on Tuesday, according to Khalil Al-Deqran, Gaza’s health ministry spokesperson.
The Israeli military confirmed it had struck multiple targets across Gaza, officially ending a weeks-long standoff over the ceasefire extension. Strikes hit several areas, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Palestinian health officials reported that many victims were children.
The Israeli military claimed it had hit dozens of targets and would continue operations as long as necessary. Strikes would also extend beyond air attacks. This escalation marked a significant shift from the previous drone strikes targeting small militant groups. It followed weeks of failed ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas accused Israel of breaking the agreement, leaving the fate of 59 hostages in Gaza uncertain. The situation remains tense. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of refusing to release hostages and rejecting US-backed negotiation efforts.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” an official statement from Netanyahu’s office declared. In Washington, a White House spokesperson confirmed that Israel had consulted US officials before carrying out the strikes.
The Israeli military stated that targets included mid-level Hamas commanders, leadership officials, and key Hamas infrastructure. Negotiations had been ongoing in Doha, with Egypt and Qatar mediating between Israel and Hamas. The goal was to extend the ceasefire.
During the initial ceasefire phase, 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais were exchanged for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. With US support, Israel pushed for the release of the remaining 59 hostages in exchange for an extended truce.
This agreement would have halted fighting through Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday in April. However, Hamas insisted on permanent ceasefire talks. Both sides repeatedly accused each other of ceasefire violations, yet full-scale fighting had been avoided until now.
Israel had blocked aid deliveries to Gaza and warned of renewed attacks if Hamas refused to release hostages.
The Israeli military did not provide details of Tuesday’s strikes. However, Palestinian health officials and witnesses reported extensive damage. Several locations were targeted, including a building in Gaza City and three homes in Deir al-Balah.
Strikes also hit Khan Younis and Rafah, causing widespread destruction, according to medics and local witnesses. After 15 months of war, much of Gaza lies in ruins. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has since killed over 48,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials, and destroyed Gaza’s infrastructure.
