Gaza Ceasefire Collapses as Israel Resumes Strikes
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza shattered early Tuesday as Israel launched a wave of deadly airstrikes across the enclave. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel had “returned to fighting,” vowing to apply “increasing military strength” against Hamas.
Deadliest Day in Over 15 Months
According to Palestinian authorities, over 400 people were killed in the overnight bombardment, marking Gaza’s deadliest day in more than 15 months. The strikes targeted multiple locations, with Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stating: “Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza.”
The truce, which had been in place for months, was already in jeopardy as negotiations stalled over the release of remaining Israeli hostages and the potential for a lasting peace.
Israel and Hamas Exchange Accusations
The Israeli military confirmed “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets, while Hamas accused Netanyahu of deliberately overturning the ceasefire and endangering hostages. In a televised speech, Netanyahu justified the renewed military action, claiming Hamas had refused to release hostages or accept a U.S.-backed truce extension.
Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanou refuted Netanyahu’s claims, insisting the group had not rejected the U.S. proposal and remained engaged in talks with mediators.
High Civilian Toll and Healthcare Crisis
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that over 170 children were among the dead, with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) describing it as one of the highest single-day child death tolls globally in the past year.
Dr. Razan Al-Nahhas, a volunteer physician at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, described the devastation: “Babies and children all over the floor, bleeding from their heads, abdomens, and limbs. The hospital is overwhelmed.”
Videos showed families rushing wounded relatives to overcrowded hospitals, while rescue workers transported the injured in ambulances or on makeshift stretchers. Many victims were wrapped in bloodstained blankets, with hospitals reporting civilian homes among the primary targets.
Mass Evacuations and Fear of Further Displacement
Later on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced a “massive offensive” and ordered evacuations from multiple neighborhoods, heightening fears of further displacement. Residents described scenes of destruction, with one witness, Rajab Abu Sultan, recounting how bodies of children were pulled from the rubble. “There was no prior warning,” he said.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The renewed fighting in Gaza coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, while cross-border clashes between Israel and Lebanon escalated. The Houthi rebels vowed to continue attacks on American and Israeli interests until hostilities in Gaza cease.
International Response and Political Fallout
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session, where the U.S. placed sole blame for the resumed hostilities on Hamas. Charge d’Affaires Dorothy Shea stated: “Hamas has steadfastly refused every proposal for peace.”
Meanwhile, Israeli politics saw a shake-up as far-right politician Itamar Ben Gvir rejoined Netanyahu’s government following the resumption of military action. However, former hostages and advocacy groups condemned the renewed offensive, arguing it endangers the remaining captives and urging a return to negotiations.
Uncertain Path Forward
Israel’s decision to resume strikes comes days after the U.S. proposed a deal offering a month-long ceasefire extension in exchange for hostage releases and increased humanitarian aid. Hamas claimed to have approved part of the proposal, but Israeli officials dismissed their response as insufficient.
An Israeli official described the extensive airstrikes as “preemptive,” warning they would continue “as long as necessary.” Hamas denied Israeli claims that it had violated the ceasefire or planned attacks, calling them a pretext for war.
As violence intensifies, efforts to restore peace remain uncertain, with civilians caught in the crossfire of a deepening conflict.
Source: CNN – Gaza truce shatters as Israel carries out wave of deadly strikes and says it has ‘returned to fighting’
