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| Photo via: x.com/@imidoonam |
I(caps)srael launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians, local health officials reported. The strikes, which marked the deadliest bombardment in the 17-month war between Israel and Hamas, shattered a ceasefire that had been in place since January.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the attacks after Hamas refused to accept Israeli demands to amend the ceasefire agreement. The majority of those killed were women and children, officials said. The operation, which Israeli military sources describe as open-ended, is expected to escalate further.
Hamas is responsible for this war. pic.twitter.com/JRabT6KAv4
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 18, 2025
The White House confirmed it had been consulted prior to the strikes and expressed support for Israel's actions.
As the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for residents of eastern Gaza, directing them toward the centre of the territory, there are growing concerns about the potential for renewed ground operations.
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The new campaign comes amid warnings from aid organizations about the dire situation in Gaza, with supplies running critically low after Israel imposed a complete blockade on food, medicine, fuel, and other essential goods for the past two weeks.
The attack, which took place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, raises fears of the full resumption of a war that has already claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and caused extensive destruction in Gaza.
The escalating conflict has also reignited concerns about the fate of approximately two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas, who are believed to still be alive.
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Key Highlights of Israel Attack on Gaza Strip
- Egypt Condemns Israeli Strikes: Ceasefire mediator Egypt strongly criticizes Israel for resuming airstrikes in Gaza, highlighting the breakdown of negotiated agreements.
- Evacuation Order in Eastern Gaza: Following a wave of intense airstrikes, the Israeli military issues evacuation orders for residents in eastern Gaza, signalling a potential ground operation.
- Hostage Return as Priority: Israel's Defence Minister declares the military will continue its operations in Gaza until all hostages are returned, emphasizing this as the primary objective.
- Hamas Official Killed: Hamas sources report that an Israeli airstrike killed a high ranking general, who was the head of Gaza's interior ministry.
- U.S. Consulted on Strikes: The White House confirms Israel consulted with the United States prior to launching its recent airstrikes in Gaza, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement.
- Hamas Accuses Netanyahu: Hamas alleges that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu chose to 'sacrifice' the hostages by resuming military action, accusing him of prioritizing war over their safe return.
What is Israel-Gaza Conflict?
The Gaza war, which began on October 7, 2023, has been fought between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip and Israel. This conflict is Israel's 15th war in Gaza and has triggered an ongoing Middle Eastern crisis.
The Ceasefire Scenario Between Israel and Hamas?
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began on January 19, 2025, is structured in three stages.
The first stage focuses on returning 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli troops from major Gaza cities, allowing residents to return and increasing humanitarian aid.
The second stage involves the release of younger Israeli hostages and a formal end to the war.
In the third and final stage, the war ends completely, Israeli troops withdraw from Gaza, and reconstruction begins.
The agreement, though fragile, is monitored by a verification mechanism based in Cairo, involving Israel, Hamas, and mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
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What Causes the recent surge in Israel's Massive Strikes on Gaza?
After the ceasefire, Israel resumed airstrikes due to Hamas' refusal to accept Israeli demands to amend the ceasefire agreement.
According to Israeli officials, Hamas did not comply with the conditions set forth by Israel, which led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to authorize the renewed bombardment.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆?
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 18, 2025
❌ Essam al-Da'alis was eliminated. In his role, al-Da'alis served as the Head of the Hamas Government and the most senior figure of authority in Gaza and was responsible for the functioning of… pic.twitter.com/L5C9N347TU
The Israeli military's response was framed as an open-ended operation, indicating the potential for further escalation.
Additionally, tensions remained high, especially with concerns over the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the continued humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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