Israeli airstrikes on Gaza break ceasefire, leaving 404 dead

Tuesday 18 March 2025 - 13:08

By: Zahouani Ilham

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza break ceasefire, leaving 404 dead

Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in at least 404 Palestinian deaths and 562 injuries, marking the collapse of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas that had been in place for two months. The attacks, which took place across Gaza, particularly targeting Khan Younis, Rafah, Gaza City, and Deir el-Balah, have left a heavy toll, especially among children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Hamas condemned the strikes, stating that Israel had unilaterally violated the ceasefire agreement, which had begun on January 19. The group emphasized the gravity of the situation, accusing Israel of jeopardizing the fate of Gaza’s prisoners. Additionally, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group blamed Israel for disrupting all attempts at peace negotiations.

Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defended the airstrikes, citing Hamas’s refusal to release Israeli captives and its rejection of ceasefire extensions. Netanyahu vowed to intensify military operations against Hamas, with the Israeli military reporting ongoing airstrikes targeting Hamas facilities.

The attacks have caused widespread fear among Gaza residents, with many families reporting the loss of their children. The assault concentrated on densely populated neighborhoods and makeshift shelters, and both civilians and high-ranking Hamas officials were among the victims.

Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which would have led to the release of remaining captives and a permanent ceasefire, have stalled. Israel has expressed that the military operation will persist until all hostages are freed and the objectives of the war are fulfilled. With the ongoing conflict, Israel’s 18-month military campaign has led to over 48,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities.