Israel has launched its largest wave of airstrikes on Gaza since the ceasefire began in January, with at least 330 Palestinians reported killed.
The Israeli military said it was targeting “terror targets” belonging to Hamas, following the group’s refusal to release Israeli hostages. Mahmoud Abu Wafah, Gaza’s deputy interior minister and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in the territory, was reportedly killed in the strikes.
Witnesses in Gaza described a night of relentless bombing, with more than 20 Israeli warplanes flying over the densely populated enclave. Airstrikes hit areas in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis while many residents were having their pre-dawn meal during the holy month of Ramadan. The Hamas-run health ministry reported hundreds of casualties, with hospitals struggling to cope.
The strikes were ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz early Tuesday morning. According to Netanyahu’s office, the decision was made after Hamas “repeatedly refused” to release hostages and rejected all proposals put forward by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” the statement read.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages and declaring, “We will show no mercy on our enemies.” In response, Hamas accused Israel of treachery and said the renewed strikes placed the remaining Israeli hostages at risk. However, the group has not officially declared a resumption of full-scale war and has called on international mediators to intervene.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration was reportedly consulted before the strikes were carried out. A White House spokesperson told Fox News that Washington had been informed of Israel’s plans but did not indicate whether the U.S. had approved or objected to the operation. The Biden administration had previously sought to extend the ceasefire to mid-April, with negotiations for a further exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Negotiators had been working to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas after the first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1. However, key disagreements over the terms set by U.S. mediators led to a breakdown in talks. A Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told the BBC that Hamas and Israel remained at odds on major aspects of the proposed deal.
The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 251 hostages, has led to devastating consequences for Gaza.
According to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which are used by the UN and other agencies, more than 48,520 Palestinians most of them civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the war began. Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have endured repeated displacement, with an estimated 70% of buildings damaged or destroyed. Basic services, including healthcare, water, and sanitation, have collapsed, and food, fuel, and medical supplies remain in critical shortage.
As airstrikes continue, international leaders are under increasing pressure to broker a new ceasefire agreement before the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens further. However, with both sides refusing to compromise, the possibility of a prolonged and intensified military operation remains high.
