Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza on Tuesday, killing more than 400 people and threatening to collapse the two-month ceasefire, according to Palestinian health authorities. According to a Reuters report, the strikes come as Israel intensifies efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to take “strong action” against the militant group.
Hamas, which still holds 59 of the 250 hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and undermining mediation efforts for a permanent truce. The Israeli military described its operation as a “preemptive offensive” targeting Hamas leadership, military commanders, and infrastructure.
The airstrikes hit homes and temporary shelters across Gaza, with Israeli tanks also shelling areas near the border, witnesses reported. Residents described the attacks as one of the deadliest days since the war began, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties. Gaza’s health ministry stated that many of the dead were children, and more than 560 people were injured.
Netanyahu’s government, which has faced internal pressure over the ceasefire, saw a political boost from the renewed military campaign, with former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejoining the coalition. Meanwhile, Egyptian mediators are scrambling to salvage ceasefire negotiations, expressing surprise at the sudden escalation.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with aid deliveries halted for over two weeks. The Israeli military indicated that its operations would extend beyond airstrikes, raising concerns of an imminent ground offensive. The war, which began after Hamas’ October 7 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead, has so far resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Palestinian authorities.
