Israel launched a major aerial assault across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing over 400 Palestinians and marking the end of a ceasefire in place since January. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused to release half of the remaining hostages.
This bombardment, described as the deadliest of the 17-month war, mainly killed women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Netanyahu declared the strikes were “only the beginning” and emphasized that military pressure would continue until all hostages were freed and Hamas was destroyed.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Civilian Casualties Mount and Political Tensions Surge in Israel
The renewed military campaign has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation. With aid supplies dwindling after Israel’s blockade, hospitals are overwhelmed by casualties, including large numbers of children. Devastating strikes on homes and shelters, some during pre-dawn Ramadan meals, killed entire families. Hospitals like Nasser and European Hospital reported dozens of child fatalities. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed 404 deaths and over 560 injuries in a single day, highlighting the severe civilian toll of Israel’s operation.
Ceasefire Shatters as Israel Escalates Airstrikes, Leaving Hundreds Dead in Gaza StripNetanyahu’s decision to resume hostilities has sparked intense domestic backlash and political maneuvering. A far-right party that previously exited the coalition returned, boosting Netanyahu’s fragile government. Meanwhile, large protests erupted in Tel Aviv, with hostage families accusing the government of sabotaging ceasefire negotiations. The Prime Minister also canceled a corruption trial appearance amid the escalation, which critics view as politically motivated. Some argue the renewed war effort helps Netanyahu avoid difficult compromises required under the original ceasefire’s next phase.
Geopolitical Tensions Rise as Ceasefire Collapses and Hostage Deal Unravels Amid Conflict
The U.S. government expressed support for Israel, blaming Hamas for the collapse of the truce by refusing to release more hostages. However, the initial ceasefire deal did not mandate hostage releases beyond the first phase. Meanwhile, regional tensions reignited, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels firing rockets toward Israel, though intercepted. Despite the strikes, Hamas refrained from immediate retaliation but labeled Israel’s offensive as a “death sentence” for remaining hostages. The broader geopolitical ripple effect underscores the fragility of the situation.
The ceasefire, which began in January, saw 25 hostages and eight bodies returned by Hamas in exchange for 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase of the agreement was meant to secure the release of remaining hostages, end the war, and prompt Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
However, Israel’s new demand for the release of half the remaining hostages upfront deviated from the deal, leading Hamas to reject the revised terms. Analysts warn that Netanyahu’s broader war goals — eliminating Hamas and recovering all hostages — may be strategically incompatible, setting the stage for prolonged conflict.