Israel has launched a massive aerial assault on Gaza, killing over 250 people and injuring more than 440 in a wave of “extensive strikes” that shattered the fragile ceasefire. The offensive, carried out overnight Tuesday, was triggered by Hamas’s continued refusal to release the remaining Israeli hostages, prompting Israeli officials to escalate their military response.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes, vowing that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would increase their military pressure on Hamas. “If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza,” Katz declared, underscoring Israel’s hardline stance against the militant group.
The attacks were concentrated in key areas across Gaza, including Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, Al-Bureij, Al-Zaytoun, Al-Karama, and Beit Hanoun. The Palestinian Ministry of Health, which is controlled by Hamas, reported that the death toll rapidly climbed from initial estimates of 131, with more casualties expected as rescue efforts continued.
An Israeli government official stated that the military campaign would persist “as long as necessary” and confirmed that operations would “expand beyond airstrikes.” The offensive has so far focused on Hamas’s mid-level commanders, leadership figures, and key infrastructure. “The IDF is prepared and spread out in all arenas, both in personnel manning the borders and the Aerial Defence Array,” the official added, signaling a prolonged engagement.
The escalation comes after weeks of failed negotiations to secure a ceasefire extension. Netanyahu and Katz accused Hamas of rejecting “all offers” for a comprehensive hostage deal brokered by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. With diplomatic efforts collapsing, the Israeli military is now pressing forward with its most extensive campaign in weeks.
Hamas condemned the Israeli assault, claiming that the renewed offensive had placed “prisoners in Gaza at an unknown fate.” While the militant group did not specify whether hostages were in immediate danger, it warned that Israel’s actions would have repercussions.
In Washington, the White House confirmed that Israeli officials had consulted with the Trump administration before launching the strikes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in an appearance on Fox News, affirmed that President Donald Trump had been briefed and had reiterated his support for Israel’s military operations.
Earlier this month, Trump issued a direct warning to Hamas via his Truth Social account, delivering what he called a “last warning” regarding the hostages. “It will be OVER for Hamas if it does not comply,” he wrote on March 7. “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
Witkoff echoed Trump’s stance, cautioning, “I wouldn’t test President Trump.”
Currently, 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with only 24 presumed to be alive. Among them is Edan Alexander, the last known American-Israeli hostage.
As Israel ramps up its military operations and Hamas signals retaliation, the collapse of the ceasefire marks a dangerous turning point in the conflict. The relentless airstrikes and mounting casualties indicate that both sides are bracing for a prolonged battle with no immediate resolution in sight.
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