Israel launched a wave of intense airstrikes on the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, reportedly killing more than 300 people, according to Palestinian health officials.
The Israeli military confirmed the attacks, saying they targeted Hamas operatives and infrastructure after ceasefire talks reached a deadlock.
The renewed offensive marks the deadliest escalation since the ceasefire took effect in January 2025, and follows Israel’s accusation that Hamas failed to release remaining hostages, as promised under the previous truce deal.
This development was reported by Reuters.
"Death Sentence" for Remaining Hostages
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, among the dead are more than 50 children and 28 women, with over 250 wounded—many in critical condition. Hospitals already crippled by 15 months of war are overwhelmed, and aid is scarce.
A Hamas official, Izzat al-Risheq, condemned the strikes, calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision a "death sentence" for the 59 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza.
Two Hamas sources told Agence France Presse (AFP) that a key figure, General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, who headed Hamas' interior ministry, was killed in the overnight raids.
"We Will Act With Increasing Military Force"
The Israeli government defended the strikes, saying Hamas had repeatedly refused to extend the truce and ignored proposals made by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
“Israel will act, from now on, against Hamas with increasing military force,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted areas in northern Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Rafah, with the military claiming dozens of mid-level commanders and Hamas infrastructure were hit.
In Washington, a White House spokesperson confirmed that Israel coordinated the operation with the U.S., and emphasized that Hamas had chosen “refusal and war” over releasing hostages.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled
At the time of the strikes, negotiating teams from Israel and Hamas were in Doha, Qatar, as mediators from Egypt and Qatar tried to salvage the truce. The original ceasefire, implemented in January, saw 33 Israeli and 5 Thai hostages released in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
But negotiations have repeatedly stalled, with mutual accusations of violations.
Israel has also blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza and warned repeatedly that military action would resume if Hamas failed to meet its conditions.
15 Months of War and Counting
The conflict, which reignited on October 7, 2023, began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli border communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, according to Israeli data.
Israel’s military response has since left much of Gaza in ruins, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed, according to figures from Gaza’s health authorities. Entire neighborhoods and hospitals have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands remain displaced in makeshift shelters.
In the wake of this latest offensive, aid groups and rights organizations have again raised alarms over the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system and the risk of a full humanitarian breakdown.
