Israel has launched its most aggressive assault on Gaza since the January ceasefire, leaving at least 220 dead, according to rescue officials. Hamas has condemned the move, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reigniting war after failing to reach a truce extension.
Intensified Conflict Amid Stalled Negotiations
The Israeli offensive, which began on Tuesday, was reportedly carried out following consultations with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. The airstrikes primarily targeted densely populated areas, resulting in heavy civilian casualties, including women, children, and the elderly.
Netanyahu’s office justified the escalation, stating that Hamas had repeatedly refused to release Israeli hostages and rejected multiple truce proposals from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.
“From now on, Israel will escalate its military actions against Hamas,” read an official statement from Netanyahu’s office. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, said operations would “continue as long as necessary” and could expand beyond aerial strikes.
Scenes of Devastation in Gaza
Footage from Gaza showed chaotic scenes as medics rushed victims to hospitals. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis struggled to accommodate the injured, many of them children.
Mohammed Jarghoun, a survivor, recounted waking up to explosions near his tent: “I thought I was dreaming, but then I saw flames engulf my relatives’ home. More than twenty people—most of them children and women—were either dead or injured.”
Another resident, Ramez Alammarin, described the carnage. “Bodies and limbs are scattered on the ground. The wounded can’t find doctors. They bombed a building, and people are still trapped under the rubble. Fear, terror—this is no life.”
Failed Truce Talks and Mounting Tensions
The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., initially halted hostilities in January after 15 months of fighting. However, the agreement collapsed in March, with both sides unable to agree on a way forward.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts, Israel has continued near-daily strikes on Gaza, but Tuesday’s operation was the most extensive yet.
U.S. envoy Witkoff had proposed a “bridge deal” in which Hamas would release five living hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander, in exchange for a “substantial” number of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas signalleda willingness to release Alexander and the remains of four others, but negotiations stalled.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump was briefed before the strikes, warning, “Hamas, the Huthis, Iran—anyone threatening Israel or the U.S.—will face consequences. All hell will break loose.”
Stalemate Over Gaza’s Future
Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel left 1,218 dead, mostly civilians. In response, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza have killed at least 48,572 people, according to figures from both sides.
Disagreements persist over the next phase of a ceasefire. Hamas seeks full Israeli withdrawal and a lasting peace agreement, while Israel demands the demilitarization of Gaza and Hamas’ removal from power. Talks remain at an impasse, with humanitarian aid also severely restricted.
As the violence escalates, civilians on both sides remain trapped in an unrelenting cycle of war.
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