Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed nearly 350 Palestinians, marking a severe breach of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that had been in effect for nearly two months.
According to Palestinian health officials, at least 342 people were killed in the large-scale assault, with many of the victims reported to be civilians, including children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the military operation was in response to Hamas’ alleged refusal to accept Israeli ceasefire proposals. The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas-linked sites, though reports indicate significant civilian casualties.
The ceasefire, implemented on January 19, was structured in three phases, but Israel insisted on extending the first phase—a move Hamas rejected. Prior to Tuesday’s airstrikes, Israeli forces had already conducted multiple attacks on Gaza, killing more than 150 Palestinians.
Palestinian resistance groups condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire and endangering Israeli captives held in Gaza.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel had consulted with U.S. President Donald Trump before launching the strikes. She stated that Trump had warned Hamas of consequences, saying, “Hamas will see a price to pay.”
Despite mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, negotiations to establish a permanent ceasefire have failed.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military actions in Gaza have killed at least 48,577 Palestinians and wounded 112,041, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.