Over 400 Killed as Israel Resumes Airstrikes on Gaza Amid Collapsed Ceasefire

Israel launched a massive wave of airstrikes on Gaza, killing over 400 people, including women and children, and shattering a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacks were necessary due to stalled negotiations over Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In response, Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce and putting hostages in further danger. Gaza’s hospitals, already overwhelmed, are struggling to handle the influx of casualties, while new evacuation orders have forced residents to flee once again.

Witnesses described scenes of devastation, with bodies in the streets and widespread destruction. Among the dead was Mahmoud Abu Wafah, a top Hamas security official. The UN strongly condemned the strikes, calling for an immediate ceasefire, while families of Israeli hostages accused their government of abandoning negotiations. The U.S. confirmed it had been consulted before the attacks, while Russia expressed concern over high civilian casualties. As Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins and millions remain displaced, fears of prolonged conflict continue to grow.

Over 400 Killed as Israel Resumes Airstrikes on Gaza Amid Collapsed Ceasefire

Israel launched a large-scale wave of airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, targeting what it claims are Hamas positions. This marks the most intense attack since a ceasefire was established in January. According to Gaza hospitals, over 400 people, including women and children, have been killed. The attacks occurred during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, shattering a brief period of calm and raising fears of a return to full-scale conflict. The war, which has lasted 17 months, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and left Gaza in ruins.

Concerns are growing for the safety of around two dozen Israeli hostages still believed to be alive and held by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes were ordered due to stalled ceasefire negotiations, while Hamas accused Netanyahu of sabotaging the truce and endangering Israeli hostages. The Israeli military has instructed residents in eastern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, to move toward central Gaza as evacuations are enforced. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s attempt to remove Israel’s domestic security chief has sparked controversy, adding to internal political tensions. Reports suggest that both the US and Israel are considering relocating displaced Palestinians from Gaza to Africa.

Palestinian health officials report that Israeli airstrikes have hit multiple areas across Gaza, killing over 400 people. The attacks come amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, raising fears that the two-month truce could completely collapse. Israel has vowed to escalate its military campaign to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The airstrikes targeted homes and temporary shelters across Gaza, with tank shelling reported in the east and south. Hospitals, already overwhelmed from months of war, are struggling to handle the rising number of casualties. Hamas has condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire and warning that hostages’ lives are at risk.

Netanyahu defended the strikes, claiming they were necessary due to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and accept ceasefire terms. Evacuations have been ordered in Rafah and other areas, forcing residents to flee again just weeks after returning home. The UN’s human rights chief has condemned the attacks, calling them another tragedy for Gaza’s suffering population. The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted with the US before the strikes, while Russia voiced concern over civilian casualties.

The war, which began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, has led to widespread destruction in Gaza. At least 404 people, including many children, have been killed in intense Israeli airstrikes, breaking the fragile ceasefire. Palestinian authorities warn that the death toll could rise as many remain trapped under the rubble. The airstrikes come after weeks of stalled truce negotiations, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. Israel has maintained a full blockade on aid for over two weeks and has issued new evacuation orders. Hamas has called the attacks a violation of the ceasefire agreement and an assault on unarmed civilians.

Netanyahu stated that the strikes were necessary due to a lack of progress in hostage negotiations. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 48,500 Palestinians have been killed and more than 112,000 injured since the war began. The Government Media Office estimates the total death toll at over 61,700, including those still buried under debris. The October 7 attack by Hamas led to the deaths of more than 1,100 Israelis, with over 200 people taken hostage.

As violence intensifies, international concern is growing over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel has carried out a series of heavy airstrikes, killing more than 400 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The Israeli military claims the attacks are targeting Hamas sites, while officials in Gaza describe widespread destruction and chaos. The strikes, the most intense since the January ceasefire, have hit multiple areas, including Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis. Many were killed while having their pre-dawn meal for Ramadan, with witnesses reporting devastating scenes of bodies in the streets and overwhelmed hospitals.

Among those killed was Mahmoud Abu Wafah, Gaza’s deputy interior minister and a top Hamas security figure. Netanyahu defended the strikes, stating that Hamas had refused all proposals for hostage releases, and new evacuation orders have been issued. Israel claims Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Families of the captives have accused the Israeli government of abandoning them and have called for protests in Jerusalem. UN officials have condemned the strikes, urging an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s displaced population. Efforts to extend a truce collapsed due to disagreements between Israel and Hamas, despite mediation attempts by the US and other international parties.

With Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins and millions displaced, the situation remains dire. Pressure is mounting for renewed negotiations to prevent further bloodshed.