Israel intensified its military campaign in Gaza on Tuesday despite an existing ceasefire agreement between the two embattled neighbours.
Israel launched a wave of airstrikes that shattered weeks of fragile calm, according to reports.
The bombardment, which targeted key Hamas positions across the enclave, has reignited tensions and raised concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the renewed offensive, stating that it was necessary to eliminate Hamas’ military infrastructure and secure the release of remaining hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, declaring that “Israel will not stand idle while its people remain captive, and Hamas continues to defy all diplomatic efforts.”
Palestinian officials in Gaza reported widespread devastation, with residential areas, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure suffering heavy damage.
Hamas, which controls the strip, claimed that at least 322 people had been killed or were unaccounted for since the bombardment began.
Emergency responders have been working through the rubble to recover casualties, though the ongoing strikes have made rescue operations perilous.
The escalation comes after indirect negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States failed to produce a renewed ceasefire agreement.
Israel had previously warned that military operations would resume if Hamas did not comply with demands to release remaining hostages.
Despite diplomatic efforts, no consensus was reached, and Israeli forces proceeded with what they described as “a necessary course of action.”
In response, Hamas denounced Israel’s military campaign as “a brutal aggression that will have serious consequences.”
A spokesperson for the group accused Netanyahu’s government of deliberately undermining ceasefire efforts, stating, “Israel has chosen war over diplomacy, endangering the lives of both Palestinians and its own citizens.”
Meanwhile, the United States has launched separate operations against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, citing growing threats to regional stability. These developments have fueled fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Gold surged to an all-time high as investors sought safe-haven assets, while Brent crude prices climbed 1.3%, reflecting heightened concerns over supply disruptions.
Domestically, Israel’s decision to resume military action has divided public opinion. Some families of hostages have voiced opposition, arguing that military escalation puts captives at greater risk.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a prominent advocacy group, issued a statement condemning the renewed strikes, saying, “This decision abandons the hostages to an uncertain fate. Negotiation, not escalation, is the only viable solution.”
However, hardline members of Netanyahu’s coalition defended the operation. “Hamas has exploited every ceasefire to regroup and rearm,” said Ofir Sofer, a senior minister. “Israel must act decisively to eliminate the threat.”
As airstrikes continue, international leaders are urging restraint. The United Nations has warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where medical supplies and food are already critically low. Diplomatic channels remain open, but with each passing hour, the window for de-escalation narrows.
For now, Gaza remains engulfed in smoke and uncertainty, with the toll of war growing heavier by the day.
