As reported by Palestinian health officials on Tuesday, Israel resumed major airstrikes on Gaza, which claimed 326 lives and indicated a stoppage of a two-month long ceasefire with Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the military has been directed to take aggressive action against Hamas to liberate hostages and counter their ceasefire refusals. In a firm statement, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel would escalate its military efforts against Hamas militants.
On the other hand, Hamas blames Israel for breaching the ceasefire brokered in January, leaving the status of 59 hostages dubious. Multiple locations across Gaza were subject to the strikes, with the region’s health ministry indicating a tragic loss of life, including numerous children.
Israel’s military reported targeting several sites and vowed to persist with its offensive, hinting at a possibility of ground operations if required.
Meanwhile, the United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory urged an immediate reinstatement of the ceasefire, denouncing the ongoing airstrikes as “unconscionable.”
Simultaneously, in preparation for potential retaliations from Hamas or Yemen, Israel has begun opening shelters in key areas like Tel Aviv. The revived conflict in Gaza coincides with rising tensions across the Middle East, with the violence spilling over into Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.