Israel Resumes Strikes In Gaza, Ceasefire Collapses

 

Gaza’s fragile ceasefire was shattered early Tuesday as Israel launched extensive airstrikes across the enclave, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to escalate military action against Hamas.

The overnight bombardments targeted multiple areas, killing more than 320 people, according to Palestinian authorities, in what marked the most intense Israeli strikes since the truce took effect months ago. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the renewed military campaign, stating, “Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza.”

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas had already been in jeopardy after phase one ended over two weeks ago, with both sides locked in disputes over hostage releases and long-term peace terms.

Heavy Bombardment and Civilian Casualties

Israel’s military and security agencies announced “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets across Gaza. In response, Hamas accused Netanyahu of derailing the ceasefire and endangering hostages still held in Gaza.

At least 326 people have been killed and more than 440 injured in the latest wave of strikes, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

“It’s been absolutely horrific,” said Dr. Razan Al-Nahhas, a physician working with the Humanity Auxilium organization at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. “Multiple explosions within just a span of a few minutes, back-to-back.”

Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that people were trapped under the rubble of bombed homes across the enclave. Strikes were heard in multiple areas, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah.

Videos from the ground showed chaotic scenes as families rushed the wounded to hospitals, while rescue workers transported casualties on stretchers. Many of the injured were wrapped in bloodstained blankets, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients.

Several medical facilities reported that many casualties resulted from strikes on civilian homes. Hospitals across the enclave, from Al-Awda in northern Gaza to Nasser Hospital in the south, were treating a growing number of injured, including many children.

Later on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced a “massive offensive” and issued evacuation orders for multiple neighborhoods, raising concerns of further mass displacement.

Gaza’s Struggling Healthcare System

Doctors and medical staff described dire conditions as hospitals struggled to cope.

“Operating rooms are completely full, and the wounded are dying without finding a bed for treatment,” said Muhammad Abu Salmiya, head of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

At Al-Ahli Hospital, Dr. Al-Nahhas described harrowing scenes.

“Babies and children are all over the floor, bleeding from their heads, abdomens, and limbs,” she said. “I was trying to save a 7-year-old boy who was gasping for breath. He had lost his entire family.”

From a hospital balcony, she saw bodies lined up in blankets, with no available morgue space.

“They keep bringing more bodies,” she said. “Patients are everywhere—on the floor, in hallways, on stretchers.”

Escalating Regional Tensions

Israel’s resumption of military operations comes amid broader regional instability.

Dozens of people were reported killed after U.S. airstrikes targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen, following attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, cross-border violence has escalated between Lebanon and Syria’s new Islamist-led government.

Israel reportedly informed the U.S. ahead of its renewed strikes on Gaza. The White House reiterated its stance against Hamas and other armed groups in the region.

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz defended the offensive, arguing that Hamas had refused multiple ceasefire proposals, including efforts mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

“The IDF is currently attacking Hamas targets across Gaza to achieve our war objectives, including the release of all hostages—living and dead,” Netanyahu’s office stated. “From now on, Israel will act with increasing military strength.”

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

Israel has restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza for the past two weeks in an attempt to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. The blockade has worsened food shortages and intensified the existing water crisis after Israel cut power to the last functioning facility supporting desalination efforts.

Before the ceasefire collapsed, humanitarian aid deliveries had temporarily eased conditions in Gaza. However, the resumption of full-scale military operations threatens to plunge the enclave into an even deeper crisis.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned last month that a return to war would lead to “an immense tragedy,” as the conflict has already claimed more than 48,000 Palestinian lives.

Failed Efforts to Extend the Ceasefire

The latest Israeli airstrikes came just days after a U.S.-proposed deal aimed at extending the ceasefire. The proposal included the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander and the bodies of four dual nationals held in Gaza in exchange for a month-long truce extension and increased humanitarian aid.

Hamas had signaled conditional approval of the proposal, but the renewed military campaign has now derailed any hopes of further negotiations.

Hamas leader Ezzat al-Rishq condemned the new offensive, calling it a “death sentence” for hostages still in Gaza.

Of the 251 people kidnapped during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, fewer than half of the remaining hostages are believed to be alive.

An Israeli official defended Tuesday’s strikes as “preemptive” and indicated that military operations would expand.

“The strikes will continue as long as necessary,” the official said, “and will extend beyond airstrikes.”