Israeli Air Strikes Leave Hundreds Dead
Israeli air strikes have shattered the ceasefire, killing over 400 people in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the attacks after Hamas rejected Israel’s demand to modify the ceasefire terms. Officials warn that the military operation will continue indefinitely.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Palestinian health officials report that women and children make up the majority of those killed in the Israeli air strikes. A single attack in Gaza City wiped out 27 members of one family. Another in Rafah killed 17 relatives, including five children.
Hospitals are overwhelmed with the wounded, while medical supplies are running out. Aid groups warn that Israel’s blockade of food, fuel, and medicine has pushed Gaza deeper into a humanitarian crisis.
Israel Expands Its Military Offensive
Following the air strikes, the Israeli military ordered residents of eastern Gaza to evacuate. Military leaders suggest a ground invasion may be imminent.
Israel claims its strikes targeted high-ranking Hamas officials. Six senior leaders were reportedly killed, but Hamas insists that most victims were civilians.
Hamas Responds to Israeli Air Strikes
Hamas has condemned the renewed war, calling Netanyahu’s decision a “death sentence” for the remaining hostages. Izzat al-Risheq, a senior Hamas official, accused Netanyahu of launching the offensive to solidify his political power.
In response, Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired missiles at Israel—the first such attack since the ceasefire began. Israel intercepted the rockets, but military officials fear a broader regional conflict may erupt.
U.S. Backs Israel’s Military Action
The White House confirmed that it had been consulted before the Israeli air strikes and expressed full support for Israel’s decision. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes blamed Hamas for breaking the ceasefire, stating, “Hamas had the opportunity to extend peace but instead chose war.”
Despite U.S. backing, human rights organizations have condemned the air strikes, citing the high civilian death toll. European leaders have urged Israel to halt its attacks and return to negotiations.
Hostage Families Demand Answers
The return to war has triggered outrage among families of the remaining Israeli hostages. A coalition representing them released a statement condemning the Israeli government’s actions. “We are shocked, angry, and terrified,” they wrote. “This government has deliberately dismantled the process to bring our loved ones home.”
Mass protests are expected in Israel, with demonstrators demanding accountability for Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage crisis. Political analysts suggest that the renewed offensive could be an attempt to distract from corruption investigations and government instability.
What’s Next After Israeli Air Strikes?
With Israeli air strikes intensifying and a possible ground invasion on the horizon, Gaza faces another devastating chapter in the war. Tens of thousands have already died, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening.
Will global pressure push both sides back to negotiations, or is a prolonged conflict inevitable?
