Israeli Airstrikes Kill 400 in Gaza, Ending Ceasefire with Hamas/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel launched major airstrikes across Gaza, killing at least 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and shattering a ceasefire that had been in place since January. The attacks came after Hamas rejected Israeli demands to alter the truce agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared the operation “open-ended.” The U.S. voiced support for Israel’s actions, while Hamas accused Netanyahu of sacrificing hostages for political survival. Meanwhile, mass protests are planned in Israel against Netanyahu’s handling of the war and the firing of the country’s internal security chief.
Israel Strikes Gaza, Killing 400 and Ending Ceasefire: Quick Looks
- Israeli Airstrikes Resume: 400 Palestinians killed, 560+ injured in the deadliest day of the war.
- Ceasefire Over: The truce collapsed after Hamas refused Israeli demands for changes.
- U.S. Supports Israel: The White House backed the Israeli strikes, blaming Hamas for the breakdown.
- Evacuation Orders Issued: The Israeli military told civilians to leave eastern Gaza, signaling a new ground operation.
- Hostages at Risk: Hamas warns that Israeli captives may not survive the renewed assault.
- Political Fallout: Netanyahu faces mass protests and turmoil within his coalition.
Israel Ends Ceasefire with Gaza Strikes, Killing Over 400 Palestinians
Airstrikes Mark Deadliest Day in Gaza Since War Began
Israel launched a massive wave of airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 400 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The attack marks the deadliest escalation in the 17-month war, following the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire that had lasted since January.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused to accept Israel’s revised ceasefire terms. Israeli officials declared the operation open-ended, with the Israeli military ordering mass evacuations, signaling a renewed ground offensive.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
U.S. Backs Israeli Strikes, Blames Hamas for Ceasefire Collapse
The White House confirmed that it had been consulted on the strikes and voiced support for Israel’s actions. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes blamed Hamas for the renewed fighting, stating:
“Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.”
The Israeli military claimed Hamas was attempting to rebuild and rearm, justifying the return to full-scale war.
Gaza Hospitals Overwhelmed as Death Toll Mounts
- In Rafah, an Israeli strike killed 17 members of the same family, including five children.
- In Khan Younis, ambulances flooded hospitals with wounded survivors, many screaming in pain.
- Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 263 of the dead were women or children.
“This is the deadliest day in Gaza since the war began,” said Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the records department at the Gaza Health Ministry.
Hamas Warns of Hostage Executions
A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Risheq, called Netanyahu’s decision to resume the war a “death sentence” for the remaining Israeli hostages.
Hamas still holds about two dozen Israeli captives, but there have been no reports of attacks from Hamas in response to the airstrikes—suggesting the group may still seek to restore the ceasefire.
Netanyahu Faces Domestic Crisis Over War Decisions
Netanyahu’s decision to renew the war has ignited protests inside Israel.
- Families of Israeli hostages accused Netanyahu of abandoning them, saying the government “chose war over rescuing our loved ones.”
- Mass demonstrations are planned across Israel against Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage crisis.
- Far-right Israeli politicians rejoined Netanyahu’s coalition, after previously quitting over the January ceasefire.
What’s Next?
With Israel preparing for a ground operation, the war is expected to intensify. Meanwhile, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar continue diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations.
- Will Hamas retaliate and escalate the conflict?
- How will the international community react to Israel’s renewed offensive?
- Can Netanyahu survive the political fallout?
With both sides unwilling to compromise, a full-scale war appears imminent.
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