Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Israeli airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday killed at least 200 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, marking the collapse of a ceasefire agreement that had paused hostilities since January.
The Israeli military confirmed hitting multiple targets across Gaza, including Gaza City, northern areas, and central and southern locations such as Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Health officials reported that many of the casualties were children.
According to the Israeli military, dozens of targets were struck, and operations would continue indefinitely. The escalation follows weeks of failed negotiations to extend the ceasefire, which was initially brokered on January 19.
Ceasefire Collapse and Hostage Standoff
Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce, warning that the fate of 59 remaining hostages held in Gaza was now uncertain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office blamed Hamas for refusing to release the hostages and rejecting mediation efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
“Israel will now act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted with the U.S. administration before launching the strikes. The Israeli military said the attacks targeted mid-level Hamas commanders, leadership figures, and infrastructure linked to the group.
Failed Negotiations and Renewed Conflict
Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams had been in Doha, where mediators from Egypt and Qatar attempted to bridge gaps between the two sides. The initial ceasefire had led to the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel had pushed for a longer-term truce, extending until after Ramadan and Passover in April, in exchange for the return of the remaining hostages. However, Hamas demanded that negotiations focus on a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
“We demand that mediators hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for violating the agreement,” Hamas stated.
Despite intermittent tensions and blockages in aid deliveries, both sides had previously adhered to the January ceasefire. However, Israel had repeatedly threatened to resume military action if Hamas did not release the remaining captives.
Extensive Strikes and Humanitarian Crisis
Tuesday’s strikes, described as “extensive” by the Israeli military, targeted buildings across Gaza, including residential areas in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Medics reported at least 35 airstrikes, with dozens of homes and buildings destroyed.
The 15-month-long war, which began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities—resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages—has left much of Gaza in ruins. In response, Israeli military operations have killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities, and devastated the enclave’s infrastructure, including its healthcare system.
As fighting resumes, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with hundreds of thousands displaced and struggling to survive in makeshift shelters amid continued Israeli bombardment.
Growing Uncertainty in Middle East
The resumption of violence has cast further doubt on diplomatic efforts, with Arab mediators backed by the U.S. struggling to reconcile Israel’s military objectives with Hamas’ demands for a permanent truce.
With both sides entrenched in their positions, the renewed hostilities threaten to spiral into another prolonged and deadly phase of the conflict.
