By The Sampadak Express
The Israeli military launched airstrikes across Gaza early on Tuesday, effectively ending a weeks-long deadlock over extending the ceasefire that had paused fighting since January. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 200 people, including children, have been killed, with dozens more wounded in the airstrikes.
A senior Hamas official confirmed that Israel had unilaterally broken the ceasefire agreement, following a series of strikes that left dozens of Palestinians dead, including a senior Hamas security figure, Mahmoud Abu Watfa. Hamas media confirmed Watfa’s death in the attacks.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced in a joint statement that the strikes targeted Hamas positions throughout the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would continue to take “strong action” against Hamas in response to the militant group’s refusal to release hostages and its rejection of all ceasefire proposals. “Israel will act with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
The violence escalates amidst unresolved disagreements between Israel and Hamas over the continuation of a three-phase ceasefire that began in January. Despite mediation efforts from Arab nations and the U.S., the sides failed to agree on a second phase, which aimed to release remaining hostages and end the conflict. Earlier this month, Netanyahu had already warned of renewed military action and halted all aid deliveries to Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas.
The war, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has already resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population. The ceasefire had provided temporary relief, allowing many displaced Palestinians to return home.
With Israel now resuming military operations, the fate of the remaining hostages and civilians in Gaza remains uncertain.
