The Israeli military has carried out large-scale strikes on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 404 Palestinians, in gross violation of a ceasefire with the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, that took effect nearly two months ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement, saying that the regime would continue military attacks in response to Hamas’ alleged refusal to accept Israel’s proposals for the next round of ceasefire.
The Israeli military claimed that it had targeted Hamas-related sites, but news agencies reported that many civilians, including children, had been killed in the strikes.
The Gaza ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, had three phases, but Israel insisted on extending the first phase, which Hamas ruled out.
The Israeli regime had also carried out several strikes on Gaza prior to the Tuesday airstrikes, killing more than 150 Palestinians.
Palestinian resistance also issued a statement, saying that Israel violated the ceasefire agreement and endangered the lives of the Israeli prisoners being held in Gaza.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said that Israel had consulted with U.S. President Donald Trump prior to the launch of the airstrikes. The New York Times quoted Leavitt as saying that President Trump has made clear that Hamas “will see a price to pay.”
International mediators – Egypt, Qatar, and the United States – could not bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas to establish a permanent ceasefire.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 48,577 Palestinians have been killed and 112,041 wounded in Israel’s aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.