Key Points:
- Two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ends abruptly.
- Israeli airstrikes kill over 200 Palestinians, including civilians and children.
- Hamas accuses Israel of breaking ceasefire; Israel blames Hamas for hostage stalemate.
- Gaza hospitals overwhelmed; residential areas heavily damaged.
- Israel warns of unprecedented military action if hostages not released.
Gaza: The fragile two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed dramatically on Tuesday as Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 200 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation.
The renewed violence erupted after negotiations stalled over the release of hostages held by Hamas since earlier conflicts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he ordered the military to resume “strong measures” against Hamas, accusing the group of refusing to free remaining hostages or accept terms to extend the ceasefire.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) announced via social media that they had initiated comprehensive attacks targeting Hamas-linked facilities throughout Gaza. The strikes hit multiple residential buildings in Deir Al-Balah, Khan Younis, Rafah, Gaza City, and central areas, causing severe damage and civilian casualties.
According to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera, at least 77 people were killed in Khan Younis alone, while around 20 fatalities occurred in northern Gaza City. Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal reported at least 15 deaths in Gaza City, including five children, with more than 70 injured civilians rushed to Al-Awda Hospital following strikes on homes in the Nusserat refugee camp.
Hamas official Bassem Naim accused Israel of unilaterally breaking the ceasefire agreement, placing responsibility for renewed violence squarely on Netanyahu’s government. Hamas further warned that Israel’s actions have endangered the fate of 59 hostages still held captive in Gaza.
In response to escalating hostilities, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern ultimatum: unless Hamas immediately releases all remaining hostages, Gaza will face an unprecedented military invasion. Katz emphasized that Israel’s resumed operations were necessary due to Hamas’ continued threats against Israeli communities.
Eyewitnesses and journalists on the ground described hearing loud explosions throughout Gaza overnight, with many civilians trapped beneath rubble from destroyed homes. Emergency services are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties amid limited resources and damaged infrastructure.
As international mediators scramble to restore calm, tensions remain dangerously high, raising fears of further escalation in the already volatile region.
