Israeli airstrikes on Gaza shatter ceasefire as over 400 killed – National

Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, as reported by hospital officials. The surprise attack broke the ceasefire agreement in place since January and raised the risk of reigniting the 17-month-old conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the airstrikes after Hamas declined to comply with Israeli demands to amend the ceasefire terms. Officials stated that the operation was ongoing and expected to escalate. The White House confirmed consultation on the matter and expressed support for Israel’s actions.

The Israeli military instructed residents to evacuate eastern Gaza, including parts of Beit Hanoun and other southern communities, and relocate to the central region of the territory, indicating a potential ground offensive by Israel.

“Israel will now take increasingly strong military actions against Hamas,” stated Netanyahu’s office.

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The attack during Ramadan could potentially escalate the conflict, which has already resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties and extensive damage in Gaza. The fate of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas remains uncertain.

A senior Hamas official condemned Netanyahu’s decision to resume conflict, calling it a “death sentence” for the hostages. The official accused Netanyahu of launching the airstrikes to bolster his far-right coalition and urged mediators to reveal the truth about the ceasefire breach. Hamas reported the deaths of four senior officials in the airstrikes.

Despite the bombardment, there were no immediate retaliatory attacks from Hamas, suggesting a willingness to restore the ceasefire.

Netanyahu faced internal criticism for his handling of the hostage crisis and the decision to fire the head of Israel’s internal security agency. His corruption trial proceedings were disrupted due to the airstrikes.

The main group representing the hostages’ families accused the government of abandoning the ceasefire and neglecting the hostages’ plight.

A strike on a home in Rafah resulted in the deaths of 17 family members, including 12 women and children. The casualties included five children, their parents, and another father with his three children.

In Khan Younis, explosions and smoke were observed by Associated Press reporters. Wounded individuals were transported to Nasser Hospital, where patients were seen on the floor, some in distress. A young girl received medical attention for a bloody arm.

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Many Palestinians anticipated a return to conflict when talks on the second phase of the ceasefire did not commence as scheduled in early February. Israel chose an alternative proposal and halted all aid shipments to pressure Hamas.

Palestinian resident Nidal Alzaanin expressed the desire for peace, highlighting the suffering experienced in recent months.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 404 fatalities and more than 560 injuries from the airstrikes, marking one of the deadliest days of the conflict.

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The White House attributed the renewed conflict to Hamas, stating that the group could have extended the ceasefire by releasing hostages but instead chose war.

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the airstrikes targeted Hamas military assets and leadership, with plans for broader military action beyond aerial assaults. Hamas was accused of rebuilding and planning fresh attacks, prompting Israel’s response.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed security consultations but did not provide further details.

The airstrikes occurred two months after a ceasefire was initiated, resulting in the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire, aimed at releasing the remaining hostages and ending the conflict, failed to progress.

Hamas demanded an end to the conflict and complete Israeli troop withdrawal as conditions for releasing the hostages. Israel insisted on dismantling Hamas’ military and governance structures and freeing all hostages, illustrating conflicting objectives.

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The conflict began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Israel responded with a military offensive that caused significant Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement in Gaza.

The ceasefire provided temporary relief to Gaza, allowing displaced individuals to return to their homes.

Released hostages urged the government to prioritize the ceasefire and secure the return of remaining captives. Mass protests were planned in response to Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss the head of Israel’s security agency, criticized as an attempt to deflect blame for the conflict.

Since the ceasefire, Israeli forces have engaged in fatal encounters with Palestinians, but overall violence has been contained. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have been involved in ceasefire discussions.

Federman reported from Jerusalem and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press reporters Mohammad Jahjouh in Khan Younis, Abdel Kareem Hana in Gaza City, Fatma Khaled in Cairo, and Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv contributed to this article.