The fragile Gaza ceasefire collapsed early Tuesday after Israel carried out what it described as "widespread attacks" on Hamas targets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use "increased military force" against the militant group, and Defense Minister Israel Katz declared: "Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza."
Hamas accused Israel of overturning the nearly two-month-old ceasefire agreement and of "putting hostages in Gaza at risk of an unknown fate."
This was the largest wave of attacks to hit Gaza since the ceasefire began on January 19.
Israel accused Hamas of "repeatedly" refusing to release the hostages and rejecting offers of mediation.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli strikes have killed more than 330 people and injured hundreds more. Many of the victims are believed to be registered in Khan Younis. Several children are among the dead. The Gaza Civil Defense said people were “trapped under the rubble of houses that were bombed in different areas.”
Israel consulted with the Trump administration before the attacks on Gaza. “Hamas, the Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize not only Israel but the United States of America, will pay the price,” said White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt.
"All terrorists in the Middle East should take the president seriously when he says he is not afraid to defend the United States and our ally Israel. The gates of hell will open in Gaza," said White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt. (A2 Televizion)
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