Israel has carried out large-scale airstrikes on Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip, as reported by the Israeli military. These attacks are ongoing and have been concentrated in multiple locations, including Gaza City, the northern Gaza Strip, and the southern regions of Deir el-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah.
The airstrikes follow the breakdown of a ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. While both sides had initially agreed to a truce, they failed to move forward with the second stage of the agreement. Israel insisted on the release of all hostages, while Hamas demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The airstrikes are a direct response to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages and their rejection of offers from mediators, including US President’s envoy Steve Witkoff. “Hamas’s repeated refusals to release our hostages, as well as their rejection of all offers they received from US President’s envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators,” stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported that at least two hundred people were killed in the attacks. Despite the resumption of airstrikes, negotiations between Israel and Hamas may still continue through international mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
