Israel‍‍`s strike on Gaza: Netanyahu declares ‍‍`This is just the beginning‍‍`

A night of relentless Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians and left hundreds more injured. 

The brutal attacks came as Israeli forces bombarded civilian areas, causing buildings to collapse, leaving many people trapped beneath the rubble.

The Israeli offensive, which began unexpectedly in the early hours of Tuesday, took place during Ramadan, while many Palestinians were having their pre-dawn meal (Sehri). 

The widespread bombings resulted in the highest number of casualties since the ceasefire was established on January 19.

In response to the attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a chilling statement, declaring that the renewed aggression against Gaza was “just the beginning.” 

He further warned that any future discussions would be carried out amid continued “intense offensives.”

Images emerging from the aftermath show that the majority of those killed were civilians, including women and children. 

These civilians were caught in their homes as Israeli bombs fell during the early hours of the morning.

In a televised speech broadcast by Israel’s state media, Netanyahu attempted to justify the resumption of the attacks. 

“We extended the ceasefire for several weeks, though in return, we did not get our hostages back,” he claimed. 

He also mentioned that efforts had been made to resolve the situation through diplomatic channels. 

“We sent a delegation to Doha and accepted U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal, but Hamas rejected every offer.”

According to reports from Israeli media, the updated proposal from Witkoff, presented on Thursday, suggested a 50-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of five Israeli hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners, access to humanitarian aid, and negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire.

In a statement released on Friday, Hamas confirmed that they had agreed to the mediators’ proposal. 

As part of the agreement, they agreed to restart negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners, including the release of an Israeli-American soldier and the return of the bodies of four dual-national citizens.

Despite Hamas‍‍`s acceptance of the proposal, Netanyahu expressed dissatisfaction and proceeded with renewed strikes. 

“I warned Hamas that if they did not release our prisoners, we would resume the war, and that’s what we’ve done,” Netanyahu said, firmly justifying the escalation.

The devastating airstrikes mark a significant intensification in the conflict, with many questioning how far Israel is prepared to go in its military campaign against Gaza. 

While negotiations had appeared to offer a pathway toward peace, the resumption of violence suggests that the situation remains deeply volatile, and the human cost is only rising with each passing day.

This latest surge in violence has sparked fresh concerns among the international community, with calls growing louder for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of innocent lives in the region.