Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 400 people in Gaza, Palestinian health officials reported on Tuesday, raising fears of a total breakdown in the fragile two-month ceasefire. The Israeli military has vowed to intensify its campaign, citing Hamas’ refusal to release remaining hostages.
The strikes, among the deadliest since the truce began in January, hit residential areas and displacement camps across the enclave. “It was a night of hell,” said Rabiha Jamal, 65, a Gaza City resident. “We thought the war was over, but it’s back.”
Hospitals, already overwhelmed after months of war, struggled to cope with the influx of casualties. Gaza’s health ministry reported 404 dead and 562 wounded, including many children.
Israel Expands Military Campaign
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered “strong action” against Hamas, blaming the group for stalling hostage negotiations. The military warned that its operations would extend beyond airstrikes, signaling a potential return to ground combat.
International reactions have been swift. U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the assault, warning that “more military force will only deepen the humanitarian catastrophe.” Russia also expressed concern over reports of mass civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, in Washington, a White House spokesperson defended Israel’s actions, stating that Hamas could have prevented the escalation by releasing hostages.
Ceasefire Talks in Jeopardy
The violence comes amid stalled negotiations in Doha, where mediators from Egypt and Qatar have been attempting to secure a longer truce. Hamas has insisted on a permanent end to hostilities and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—conditions Israel has rejected.
With ceasefire talks faltering, the conflict threatens to spill further into the region, as Israel braces for potential retaliatory attacks from Hamas or its allies in Lebanon and Yemen.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities, Israel’s military response has killed over 48,000 people in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities, leaving much of the enclave in ruins.
