Israel has carried out airstrikes on Gaza, killing many people, including children. Medics report that hundreds have died, and many more are injured. The strikes hit homes and buildings in multiple areas, including Deir Al-Balah, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Videos shared online show large fires, destroyed buildings, and smoke filling the sky. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service confirmed at least 35 airstrikes, and the death toll continues to rise. The Gaza health ministry later reported more than 200 deaths from the airstrikes on Gaza.
Ceasefire Breaks Down After Failed Peace Talks
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on January 19, but it has now ended. A senior Hamas leader said Israel broke the ceasefire first by launching airstrikes on Gaza. The two sides had been in talks to extend the truce, but negotiations failed. Mediators from Arab countries and the US tried to help, but no agreement was reached. Hamas wanted to move into the second phase of the ceasefire, which included releasing all hostages and working toward a permanent truce. However, Israel rejected this and demanded Hamas release more hostages first.
Israel Justifies Military Action After Hostage Dispute
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the airstrikes on Gaza were necessary. His office released a statement saying that Hamas refused to release hostages and rejected all peace proposals. Israel has now decided to take stronger military action. Netanyahu stated that Israel would fight Hamas with increasing force until all hostages are freed. Israel also announced that, as of March 2, it would stop sending goods and supplies into Gaza. Hamas responded by calling this a war crime and a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
US Knew About the Strikes Before They Happened
Reports indicate that Israel informed the White House before carrying out airstrikes on Gaza. The US has been involved in mediating the peace talks, but progress has been slow. The ceasefire had paused the fighting for nearly two months, allowing for some hostage exchanges. During this time, Hamas released several hostages, while Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, disagreements over how to continue the ceasefire led to the breakdown of talks and the return to violence.
New Talks May Happen, But No Ceasefire Yet
Israeli officials say they are open to new talks. Netanyahu’s office mentioned a US-backed plan to secure the release of 11 living hostages and the bodies of those who died in captivity. Hamas has stated that they will only release the hostages if Israel stops fighting. They also demand that Israel allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. A senior Hamas official said that any future negotiations must start immediately after hostages are freed and must not last longer than 50 days. For now, the war continues, and no new ceasefire has been agreed upon.
