The fragile ceasefire in Gaza was shattered early Tuesday night when Israel launched deadly strikes across the enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his intention to employ “increasing military strength” against Hamas, signaling a significant escalation in the conflict. The situation in Gaza is dire, with reports of extensive military operations targeting Hamas positions.
In a statement released early Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Security Agency confirmed they were “currently conducting extensive strikes” on Hamas targets throughout Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza,” highlighting the serious return to conflict after a brief period of relative calm.
According to Hamas official Basem Naim, the recent strikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 34 individuals, with claims that Israel has “ended the ceasefire agreement unilaterally.” This has intensified fears regarding the safety of the captives in Gaza, as Hamas warned that “Netanyahu and his extremist government have decided to overturn the ceasefire agreement, putting the captives in Gaza at risk of an unknown fate.”
The Civil Defense in Gaza reported that many individuals are “trapped under the rubble of homes that were bombed in various areas” of the enclave, indicating the severe impact of the strikes on civilian infrastructure. Reports from CNN stringers in Gaza describe the sounds of explosions resonating throughout multiple locations.
In Gaza City alone, more than 15 people, including five children, have been killed, with over 20 others injured, as reported by civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal. Central Gaza has also seen significant casualties, with more than 70 injured individuals arriving at the Al-Awda Hospital following strikes targeting homes in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz justified the military operation by accusing Hamas of “repeatedly” refusing to release hostages and rejecting all offers from U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators. “The IDF is currently attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, with the aim of achieving the war goals as determined by the political echelon, including the release of all our hostages — living and dead,” stated a release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
As tensions escalate, Netanyahu emphasized that “from now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” suggesting that the conflict is likely to intensify in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in Gaza as casualties mount and the humanitarian crisis deepens.
