Politics

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 326, ceasefire collapses

Tuesday 18 March 2025 - 09:36

By: Zahouani Ilham

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 326, ceasefire collapses

At least 326 Palestinians have lost their lives following a large-scale Israeli offensive on Gaza, marking the abrupt end of a fragile two-month ceasefire with Hamas. The strikes targeted multiple locations, including Khan Younis, Rafah, Gaza City, and central areas like Deir el-Balah. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that many of the victims were children, with numerous bodies still trapped under the rubble.

Hamas denounced the attacks as a unilateral violation of the truce established on January 19, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately dismantling the ceasefire and endangering prisoners in Gaza. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also blamed Israel for sabotaging peace efforts. In response, Netanyahu stated that the military was ordered to intensify operations against Hamas for its refusal to release Israeli captives or extend the ceasefire.

The Israeli army justified the strikes as targeting Hamas-affiliated "terror sites." Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that Israel had consulted U.S. President Donald Trump before launching the attacks.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of devastation, with families arriving at hospitals carrying the remains of their children. Reports from Al Jazeera indicated that Israeli strikes concentrated on densely populated neighborhoods, makeshift shelters, and residential buildings, leaving newborns, women, and the elderly among the casualties. High-ranking Hamas officials were also reported killed.

Amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, the Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the assault as "genocidal," asserting that Israel had a premeditated plan to continue its campaign of destruction. Talks over a potential truce collapsed after Netanyahu rejected advancing discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire, prompting speculation that Israel intended to resume full-scale war.

With an 18-month war devastating Gaza, Israeli forces have already killed over 48,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza would face severe consequences if hostages were not released, further signaling the continuation of military action.