Israel has launched extensive airstrikes in central Gaza, killing more than 200 people following the failure of ceasefire negotiations, according to local authorities and rescue officials. The attacks have intensified tensions as Hamas accuses Israel of violating the truce and putting hostages at risk.
Deadly Airstrikes Rock Gaza
Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesman Mahmud Basal reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in over 200 deaths and around 70 injuries. One of the attacks targeted a school-turned-shelter, killing a 52-year-old man and his 16-year-old nephew, according to officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Another strike killed three men in Bureij, with Israel claiming they were planting explosives, while Hamas insisted they were gathering firewood.
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The Israeli military has conducted air strikes in Gaza.
The attack comes after nearly two months of paused fighting in Israel’s 17-month-long war against Hamas, in which dozens of hostages were released for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. pic.twitter.com/IxYhg9JBrc
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Israel Justifies Strikes, Hamas Condemns Breach of Ceasefire
Israel’s military stated it was conducting “extensive strikes on Hamas terror targets.” The offensive comes after Israeli authorities accused Hamas of refusing to release hostages as part of ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of breaching the agreement, warning that the fate of hostages was now uncertain.
Before the recent airstrikes, Israel had blocked food, medicine, and fuel supplies for two weeks, demanding Hamas accept new ceasefire terms. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are working to revive negotiations, with Hamas insisting on Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza as part of any deal.
Attacks Extend to Syria and Lebanon
Beyond Gaza, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah and military positions in Syria and Lebanon. In Syria’s Daraa, airstrikes killed three civilians and injured 19, including children and rescue workers. Israeli forces claimed they targeted military sites housing weapons and vehicles.
In Lebanon, Israel confirmed strikes on Hezbollah operatives in Yohmor, killing two people. Additional attacks on Hezbollah locations followed, though Israel has not disclosed specific details.
Growing Regional Tensions
The escalation comes despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that had been in place since November. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement, increasing fears of further violence in the region.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains volatile, with humanitarian concerns mounting amid intensified airstrikes and ongoing hostilities.
