March 18, Tuesday, Israel: Israel launched a series of extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, effectively ending a fragile two-month ceasefire with Hamas. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 235 Palestinians were killed in the attacks, including women and children.
The airstrikes targeted multiple locations throughout Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah in the south, Gaza City in the north, and central areas like Deir el-Balah. The Israeli military described the operation as “extensive strikes on terror targets” associated with Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he ordered the military action due to Hamas’s refusal to release Israeli captives or agree to extend the ceasefire. He declared that Israel would “act against Hamas with increasing military strength” moving forward.
In response, Hamas accused Israel of unilaterally canceling the ceasefire. The group called on Arab and Islamic nations, as well as international supporters, to protest the assault.
The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted with President Donald Trump prior to the strikes. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s actions, attributing the escalation to Hamas’s failure to release hostages, which could have extended the ceasefire.
The sudden escalation disrupted the relative calm during Ramadan and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians have already endured significant hardship. The renewed violence raises concerns about the fate of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas and the potential for a full-scale conflict.
Protests have erupted within Israel, criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of the situation and demanding the return of the hostages. The ceasefire had initially provided some relief to Gaza’s war-torn population, but the recent violence threatens to undermine the progress made.
The 17-month war has already resulted in extensive casualties and destruction in Gaza, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed, according to local health officials. The resumption of hostilities threatens to further destabilize the region and prolong the suffering of its residents. Keep Reading Questiqa.com.
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