Israel Resumes Strikes on Gaza, Killing 400 Palestinians and Ending Ceasefire
Tensions have erupted in Gaza as Israel launched a large-scale military operation, resulting in the deaths of at least 400 Palestinians. The strikes shattered a fragile two-month ceasefire with Hamas, plunging the region back into intense conflict.
Deadly Assault Across Gaza
The airstrikes targeted multiple areas, including Khan Younis and Rafah in the south, Gaza City in the north, and Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. Many of the casualties were children, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Ambulances raced through the streets as families rushed to hospitals carrying the remains of their loved ones.
Hamas condemned the assault, calling it a “unilateral cancellation” of the ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. The group urged global protests against what they described as an aggressive escalation by Israeli forces. Similarly, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) accused Israel of sabotaging diplomatic efforts to extend peace talks.
Israel Justifies Renewed Attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military action, stating that Hamas had refused to release captives or agree to proposed ceasefire extensions. “Israel will now act with increasing military strength against Hamas,” his office declared. The Israeli military confirmed on Telegram that it was conducting “extensive strikes on terror targets.”
The White House revealed that Israel consulted with U.S. President Donald Trump before initiating the airstrikes. While Washington has urged restraint in previous conflicts, this latest escalation suggests continued U.S. backing for Israel’s actions.
Horrific Scenes on the Ground
Witnesses described harrowing scenes as bombs rained down on densely populated areas, including makeshift schools and residential buildings. Ahmed Abu Rizq, a local teacher, recounted waking up to explosions and desperate calls from relatives checking on each other’s safety. “The ambulance sirens never stopped,” he said, adding that some families arrived at hospitals clutching the remains of their children.
Al Jazeera reported that among those killed were newborns, women, and elderly civilians, further fueling outrage over the scale of destruction. Gaza’s Government Media Office condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate act of “genocide” against innocent civilians.
Ceasefire Talks in Shambles
Efforts to extend the ceasefire had already hit a deadlock before the latest escalation. Hamas had reportedly been negotiating the release of around 60 captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but Israel insisted on prolonging the first phase of the truce until mid-April.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a chilling warning, stating that Gaza would face the “gates of hell” if the remaining captives were not freed. “We will not stop fighting until all hostages are returned, and all war objectives are achieved,” he asserted.
Despite not officially declaring an end to the ceasefire, Israeli officials have indicated that military operations in Gaza will persist. With negotiations at a standstill and violence intensifying, the prospect of a lasting peace in the region appears more uncertain than ever.
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