At least 300 killed as Israel strikes Gaza, breaking cease-fire

Israel has carried out “extensive strikes” in Gaza, marking the most intense military assault on the enclave since a cease-fire agreement was reached in January.

The Israeli army announced the operation, claiming the strikes targeted Hamas members in retaliation for the group’s refusal to release all Israeli hostages.

Israel’s military action and escalation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the strikes, asserting that Israel would “act against Hamas with increasing military strength” following Hamas’ repeated refusal to release hostages. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office stated.

The first phase of the cease-fire agreement, which was signed in January and involved the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, ended earlier this month.

International efforts, including mediation from the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, had sought to extend the truce and facilitate the release of the remaining 59 hostages still held by Hamas. However, negotiations stalled because of Israel’s actions and statements, leading to renewed military action.

Casualties and destruction in Gaza

According to Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 308 people. people, many of whom were children.

The strikes targeted several locations in Gaza, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah. Hospitals in Gaza, already overwhelmed by previous bombardments, received a steady influx of casualties.

“We were sleeping when we heard multiple airstrikes around us,” said Osama Humaid, a resident of the al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Hamas responds to Israel’s actions

Hamas condemned Israel’s actions, accusing Tel Aviv of violating the cease-fire and jeopardizing the lives of the remaining hostages.

“The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza,” said Taher Nunu, a Hamas official.

Ongoing tensions and failed negotiations

Negotiating teams from Israel and Hamas had been engaged in talks in Doha, where Egypt and Qatar acted as mediators.

The initial cease-fire, which saw 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals released, had been intended to lead to a longer-term agreement. However, disputes over terms led to an impasse, and with Hamas rejecting proposals, the situation has escalated into renewed conflict.

Israel had blocked aid deliveries to Gaza and warned that fighting would resume if Hamas did not comply with the hostage release. The clashes that began on Oct. 7, 2023, have already claimed over 48,000 lives and destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure, including its health care system.

Impact on Gaza’s population

The strikes have had a devastating impact on Gaza’s population, with many people displaced by the ongoing violence.

Witnesses report widespread damage to homes, schools, and hospitals, as well as an overwhelming number of casualties. “Piles of bodies in white plastic sheets could be seen stacked up as casualties were brought in,” said one hospital official.