Ceasefire crumbles as Israel‍‍`s airstrikes on Gaza kill over 200 people, including children

In the early hours of Tuesday, Israel launched one of its most devastating airstrikes on Gaza, killing at least 232 people, including many children, and injuring dozens more, according to Palestinian health officials. 

This large-scale assault marks the deadliest violation since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was agreed upon in January.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attacks began just before dawn, as many in Gaza were eating their pre-dawn meal for Ramadan. 

Explosions rocked the densely populated region, and at least 20 Israeli fighter jets were seen in the sky.

Israel‍‍`s military confirmed the strikes, claiming the operation targeted Hamas leaders. 

According to the Israeli government, the attack was carried out after Hamas repeatedly refused to release Israeli hostages and rejected various proposals for extending the ceasefire.

“Our operation was launched after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all proposals presented by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other mediators,” said the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement. 

“From now on, Israel will increase its military power and take more aggressive action against Hamas.”

Among the victims of the airstrikes was Mahmoud Abu Wafah, Gaza’s Deputy Interior Minister and one of Hamas‍‍` top security officials, as reported by the BBC.

The attack came after a week of deadlock in ceasefire extension talks. 

Mediation efforts led by U.S. and international parties had aimed to extend the truce, which expired on March 1, until mid-April. 

However, both Israel and Hamas had differing opinions on key elements of the proposal, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

Hamas, enraged by the breach of the ceasefire agreement, accused Israel of betrayal and warned that the safety of Israeli hostages still in Gaza was now in jeopardy. 

"Israel’s actions have placed the remaining Israeli hostages in unknown danger," Hamas said. 

However, they have not officially declared the resumption of hostilities. Instead, Hamas has called on the United Nations and other mediators to intervene immediately.

Residents of Gaza are now scrambling for safety, with many seeking refuge in makeshift shelters and hospitals. 

The airstrikes hit multiple locations, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, and other areas like Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. 

Local witnesses described the terrifying scene, with many people running to escape the destruction.

The White House has confirmed that Israel consulted with the U.S. administration before launching the airstrikes. 

A spokesperson told Fox News,

“Israel had a discussion with the Trump administration before proceeding with the military operation.”

The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. 

Since then, Israel has carried out multiple retaliatory strikes on Gaza, killing more than 48,500 people, most of whom were civilians, according to figures from Hamas-run health ministries, the United Nations, and other sources.

Gaza, home to 2.1 million people, has been left in ruins. More than 70 percent of its infrastructure has been destroyed or severely damaged, with healthcare, water, and sanitation systems on the brink of collapse. 

The humanitarian situation is dire, with residents facing severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.

As the conflict drags on, the prospect of peace seems ever more distant, with the breakdown of ceasefire talks plunging Gaza and Israel back into violence.