After Hamas refused to change the ceasefire deal, Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, approved the strikes and said that if Hamas did not comply with Israeli requests, military action would escalate.
Areas throughout the Gaza Strip were the focus of the airstrikes, including Rafah in the south and Beit Hanoun in the north. In anticipation of potential ground operations, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for civilians in eastern Gaza.
Israel would intensify its attack until Hamas was destroyed, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office. The renewed assault coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and threatened to ignite the 17-month-long war fully.
Hospitals in Gaza reported a surge in casualties, with entire families among the dead. The European Hospital in Rafah confirmed that 17 members of one family were killed, including five children.
Medical teams struggled to manage the influx of wounded as airstrikes continued. Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq condemned the attacks, accusing Netanyahu of using war to maintain his governing coalition. He warned that resuming hostilities put the lives of remaining Israeli hostages in jeopardy.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of those held by Hamas, criticized the Israeli government for abandoning ceasefire talks, calling the decision a deliberate dismantling of negotiations.
In Washington, the White House blames Hamas for the escalation. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that Hamas could have extended the truce by releasing hostages but instead chose war.
The breakdown of ceasefire negotiations raises uncertainty about the war’s future. Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists on continuing military operations until all hostages are freed. The airstrikes mark one of the deadliest days of the conflict, with further escalation expected.
