JERUSALEM/CAIRO – The Israeli military launched a wide-scale assault across Gaza early Tuesday, marking the end of a fragile ceasefire as negotiations to extend the truce broke down. At least 100 people were killed, according to Palestinian health officials.
Escalation After Weeks of Stalemate
Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple areas, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The Israeli military confirmed it hit dozens of Hamas targets and warned that operations will continue.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated, blaming Hamas for stalling hostage negotiations.
Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce, saying the attack jeopardizes the fate of 59 remaining hostages held in Gaza.
US Consulted Before Israeli Strikes
A White House spokesperson confirmed that Israel consulted Washington before launching the attacks, which targeted mid-level Hamas commanders and infrastructure.
Breakdown of Ceasefire Negotiations
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar had been working to extend the January 19 ceasefire, which previously resulted in the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, while Israel pushed for a temporary truce in exchange for hostage releases, Hamas insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, leading to a deadlock.
“We demand that the mediators hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for violating the agreement,” Hamas said in a statement.
War’s Devastating Toll
The conflict has left much of Gaza in ruins, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel’s campaign began after Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
As both sides prepare for further escalation, diplomatic efforts to restart ceasefire talks continue.