On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched widespread airstrikes across Gaza, marking the end of a fragile ceasefire that had paused fighting since January. Palestinian health officials reported at least 100 fatalities, including many children, as strikes hit northern Gaza, Gaza City, and key locations in central and southern Gaza, such as Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. 

The Israeli military stated that it targeted dozens of sites linked to Hamas and that operations would continue as needed, extending beyond air raids. The escalation followed weeks of unsuccessful negotiations to extend the ceasefire, which had initially facilitated the release of hostages and prisoners. 

Hamas accused Israel of breaking the truce, leaving the fate of 59 remaining hostages in Gaza uncertain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, in turn, blamed Hamas for refusing to release the hostages and rejecting peace proposals from U.S. officials. The statement warned that Israel would intensify its military actions against Hamas. 

The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted the U.S. before launching the strikes, which reportedly targeted mid-level Hamas commanders and infrastructure. Mediation efforts led by Egypt and Qatar had sought to bridge the gap between Israel's demand for an extended ceasefire and Hamas's call for a permanent end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. 

The situation remains dire, with hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced and living in devastated conditions after months of conflict. Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, has been severely damaged. The renewed violence follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel's military campaign has killed over 48,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-conducts-strikes-hamas-targets-gaza-army-says-2025-03-18/