Israel has launched its most intense airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since a ceasefire was established in January, targeting Hamas sites and resulting in hundreds of casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes were ordered due to stalled ceasefire extension talks. The operation is open-ended and expected to expand, with the White House expressing support for Israel's actions.
The Israeli military has instructed residents of eastern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun and other southern areas, to evacuate towards central Gaza, suggesting a potential ground operation. Netanyahu's office announced a commitment to intensify military actions against Hamas.
Gaza's health ministry reported at least 330 fatalities, with many children among the dead, marking one of the conflict's deadliest days. The surprise attack disrupted a period of relative peace during Ramadan and raised concerns about a full-scale return to conflict in a war that has claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives and caused extensive destruction. The fate of approximately two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas remains uncertain.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of breaking the ceasefire and endangering hostages. They urged mediators to hold Israel accountable for the breach. Despite the bombardment, there were no immediate retaliatory attacks from Hamas, indicating a desire to restore the truce.
The strikes coincide with domestic pressure on Netanyahu, including planned protests over his handling of the hostage crisis and his intention to dismiss the head of Israel's internal security agency, Shin Bet. The main group representing hostage families criticized the government for abandoning the ceasefire and the hostages.
In Rafah, a strike killed 17 family members, including 12 women and children. In Khan Younis, explosions and smoke were reported, with ambulances transporting the injured to Nasser Hospital. A man mistakenly identified a deceased child as his nephew in the hospital morgue.
Many Palestinians anticipated renewed conflict when talks for the ceasefire's second phase did not commence as planned in February. Israel instead cut off electricity and aid to pressure Hamas into accepting an alternative proposal. Palestinian resident Nidal Alzaanin expressed the ongoing suffering from previous months.
The White House blamed Hamas for the renewed conflict, with a US National Security Council spokesman stating that Hamas could have extended the ceasefire by releasing hostages but chose war instead. US envoy Steve Witkoff warned Hamas of severe consequences if hostages were not released.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, indicated plans to expand operations beyond airstrikes, accusing Hamas of rebuilding and planning new attacks. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, warned of severe repercussions if hostages were not released, vowing to continue fighting until all hostages are freed and war goals are achieved.
The strikes occurred two months after a ceasefire paused the conflict. During the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and returned eight bodies in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, the sides have not agreed on the next steps for the 59 remaining hostages, 35 of whom are believed dead.
Hamas demands an end to the war and Israeli troop withdrawal in exchange for hostage release, while Israel insists on destroying Hamas' capabilities and freeing all hostages. Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of rejecting offers from US envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators.
A return to war could help Netanyahu avoid difficult decisions in the ceasefire's second phase and strengthen his coalition, which includes far-right lawmakers advocating for depopulating Gaza and rebuilding Jewish settlements.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Most hostages have been released through ceasefires or deals, with Israeli forces rescuing eight and recovering many bodies. Israel's military response has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths and displaced 90% of Gaza's population.
The ceasefire had provided some relief, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. Renewed fighting threatens to reverse this progress and worsen the humanitarian crisis. A new ground offensive could be particularly deadly as civilians have returned home, previously concentrated in tent camps for safety.
The conflict's resumption could deepen internal divisions in Israel over the remaining hostages' fate. Released hostages have urged the government to continue the ceasefire to secure all captives' return. Mass protests are planned following Netanyahu's announcement to dismiss the Shin Bet head, seen as an attempt to deflect blame for government failures.
Since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians near troops or unauthorized areas. Egypt, Qatar, and the US are mediating the ceasefire's next steps. Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for negotiating a lasting truce, while Hamas seeks adherence to the ceasefire agreement, including negotiations on the second phase for hostages' release and Israeli withdrawal.