Hundreds Dead In Gaza After Major Israeli Airstrikes End Ceasefire
by Siladitya Ray · ForbesTopline
Israeli forces launched major airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, killing more than 400 people, according to the enclave’s health authorities, ending a two-month ceasefire after talks to extend the pause in fighting and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas stalled.
Key Facts
Early on Tuesday morning local time, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) announced it was conducting “extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip,” after receiving orders from the country’s political leadership.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he and the country’s defense minister ordered the IDF to act due to “Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages” and its rejection of all proposals it received from President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Netanyahu’s office said Israel will target Hamas with “increasing military strength,” and he has approved the IDF’s operational plan.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said the strikes had killed at least 404 people and added that many of the deceased were children.
The strikes targeted multiple locations across the enclave, including parts of northern Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis and Rafah.
How Has The Trump Administration Reacted?
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Monday night that Israeli officials had consulted with the White House before launching the strikes on Gaza. Leavitt said Trump had made it clear that “Hamas, the Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay.” National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes told the Associated Press, “Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.”
How Has Hamas Reacted?
After the attacks, Hamas issued a statement demanding that truce negotiators hold Netanyahu and Israel “fully responsible for violating and overturning” the ceasefire agreement. The militant group also warned the resumption of hostilities has exposed the remaining hostages “to an unknown fate.” Senior Hamas political leader Izzat al-Risheq issued a more explicit warning saying Netanyahu’s decision to resume the strikes was a “decision to sacrifice the (Israeli) occupation’s captives and a death sentence against them.”
How Many Hostages Remain In Gaza?
At least 59 of the 251 people who were taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct 7, 2023 terrorist attack still remain in Gaza. According to the New York Times, nearly half of those hostages are believed to be dead. Among hostages who hold U.S. citizenship, New Jersey-native Edan Alexander, is believe to be the only one who is still alive. Last week, Hamas had offered to release Alexander along with the bodies of four other U.S.-Israeli dual nationals—Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, Gadi Haggai and Judy Weinstein.