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More than 400 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to Palestinian medics. The attacks, which also left scores injured, came after Hamas rejected a proposed truce and refused to release hostages held in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.
Renewed fighting amid ceasefire uncertainty
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced that the military was instructed to target Hamas across Gaza, with strikes hitting northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The offensive broke a period of relative quiet during Ramadan, raising fears of an escalation in the 17-month-long conflict.
Hamas condemned the strikes, calling them an “unprovoked escalation” and blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for endangering the fate of hostages. The group warned that Israel had breached the ceasefire and put prisoner negotiations at risk.
Israel’s justification and military strategy
Israel defended its actions, stating that Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and continued military buildup during the ceasefire left it with no choice but to resume hostilities. The Israeli government reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Hamas’ military and political control in Gaza, preventing future attacks, and securing the release of remaining hostages. The strikes were coordinated with the U.S., Israeli officials said.
The Israeli military asserted that it targeted Hamas operatives and infrastructure while taking measures to minimize civilian casualties. However, Palestinian health officials and international aid workers reported high civilian tolls, with many of the victims being women, children, and the elderly.
Senior Hamas officials killed
Among those killed in the strikes were four senior Hamas officials, including Issam al-Daalis, a key figure in the group's administrative committee, and two top police officers. Hamas-controlled media confirmed their deaths.
Escalation beyond Gaza
The airstrikes on Gaza followed Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and Syria on Monday, which local authorities said killed at least ten people. The ongoing hostilities threaten to widen the conflict beyond Gaza’s borders.
As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, ceasefire negotiations remain uncertain. Mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have yet to reach an agreement on a second phase of the truce, leaving both sides bracing for further escalation.
With information from the Israeli Embassy in Cyprus and Euronews.
