New Delhi: Israel airstrikes on Tuesday killed at least 220 people in Gaza, marking the deadliest attack since the ceasefire began on January 19.
The strikes targeted Hamas positions after weeks of failed truce negotiations.
According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, the airstrikes, which occurred during Ramadan, resulted in the deaths of mostly children, women, and the elderly, with around 150 others injured.
Explosions were reported in several areas, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they launched “extensive strikes on Hamas terror targets” as directed by their political leadership.
In response, Israel also ordered the closure of schools near the Gaza border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the strikes were a reaction to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages and reject proposals from mediators.
The government announced plans to intensify military action to meet war objectives, including securing the release of all hostages.
Hamas condemned Israel’s actions, accusing Netanyahu of abandoning hostages and using the conflict for political advantage.
The group warned that the ceasefire breach puts captives in Gaza at risk.
Israel airstrikes: Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled
The truce discussions faltered due to disagreements over the ceasefire terms.
Israel sought to extend the first phase of the agreement until mid-April, demanding the disarmament of Hamas.
However, Hamas insisted on progressing to the second phase, which included releasing more hostages.
Last week, Hamas proposed releasing an American-Israeli soldier and four hostage bodies in exchange for immediate talks on the second phase.
Israel, however, dismissed the offer, calling it psychological warfare.
The initial ceasefire phase saw Hamas releasing 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais in exchange for around 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.
Currently, the group still holds about 59 hostages.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack in southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages.
Since then, Israeli retaliatory strikes have resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 112,000 injuries.