Jerusalem – The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came to a devastating end on Tuesday, as Israeli airstrikes pounded the Gaza Strip, leaving over 220 Palestinians dead. The offensive comes amid stalled negotiations over hostages and ongoing peace talks.
Israel Launches Major Airstrikes After Ceasefire Breakdown
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, the latest Israeli bombardment targeted densely populated areas of Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis during the pre-dawn Sehri hours in the holy month of Ramadan. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes were aimed at “terror targets” linked to Hamas.
Among the victims were Gaza’s deputy interior minister and the region’s highest-ranking Hamas security official, marking a significant blow to the Palestinian resistance group.
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Netanyahu Justifies Attack, Hamas Calls for International Intervention
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military action, citing Hamas’s refusal to release Israeli hostages as the primary reason for resuming strikes. The Israeli government has vowed to continue its military campaign against Hamas with increased intensity.
Hamas, in response, condemned the attacks as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, warning that the remaining hostages could be in jeopardy. The group has called for international intervention to de-escalate the conflict, though it has yet to formally declare a full-scale war.
Ceasefire Talks Collapse Despite US Mediation
The latest escalation follows failed negotiations to extend the ceasefire that had been in place since March 1, 2025. The United States had proposed extending the truce until mid-April to facilitate further exchanges of hostages and prisoners. However, deep disagreements between Israel and Hamas on the terms of the agreement led to a total breakdown in talks.
White House Consulted Before Israeli Airstrikes
The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted the Trump administration before launching its devastating airstrikes. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Washington had been briefed in advance, marking one of the deadliest offensives since the ceasefire expired on January 19.
Global Calls for Ceasefire Intensify
As Gaza reels from the latest wave of destruction, international pressure is mounting for an immediate ceasefire. The United Nations, European Union, and multiple human rights organizations have urged both parties to return to diplomatic negotiations to prevent further bloodshed.
With tensions at an all-time high, the region faces the looming threat of a prolonged conflict unless urgent diplomatic efforts are made to restore peace.
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