Gaza City – Israel carried out a series of intense airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, marking the most severe escalation since the ceasefire took effect in January.

The bombings targeted multiple areas, including Gaza City in the north, Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, and the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.

Palestinian health officials reported at least 342 casualties, including many children, as the strikes hit residential buildings, makeshift shelters, and schools housing displaced families.

Gaza’s Health Ministry stated that hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of wounded civilians, with emergency responders struggling to recover bodies from the rubble.

Tareq Abu Azzoum, a journalist reporting from Deir el-Balah, confirmed that newborns, women, and elderly individuals were among the victims.

Eyewitnesses described an unrelenting assault, with drones and fighter jets hovering over the strip throughout the night. Residents recalled waking to deafening explosions, while ambulances scrambled between devastated neighborhoods.

The airstrikes followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive for military action in response to what he described as Hamas’ refusal to release hostages or extend the ceasefire.

“Israel will now act with increasing military strength against Hamas,” his office stated. Defense Minister Israel Katz further warned that the “gates of hell” would open unless hostages were freed. The Israeli military confirmed in a Telegram post that it was executing “extensive strikes on terror targets” in Gaza.

Hamas, which governs Gaza, accused Israel of unilaterally violating the ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. It called on Arab and Islamic nations to stage protests against the attacks.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group also condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of deliberately undermining efforts to negotiate a long-term truce.

The Government Media Office in Gaza labeled the airstrikes as “brutal massacres,” claiming they signaled Israel’s intent to continue what it described as genocide against civilians.

The renewed violence comes at a time of increasing political turmoil for Netanyahu. His government has been facing growing domestic pressure, particularly from far-right ministers such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has been advocating for a return to full-scale war.

Meanwhile, protesters—including the families of hostages still held in Gaza—have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political survival.

The recent dismissal of Ronen Bar, head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, further intensified tensions, with Netanyahu citing “a growing distrust” as the reason for his removal.

Ceasefire negotiations aimed at securing the release of approximately 60 Israeli captives in exchange for an extended truce have collapsed.

While Hamas previously released several dozen hostages in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, talks stalled when Netanyahu’s government refused to move forward with the second phase of the agreement.

The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the latest military developments. Israeli media analysts have suggested that the escalation was premeditated, with a senior official stating that 2025 would be a “year of war.”

Over the weekend, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that American airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen were intended as a warning to Hamas against delaying ceasefire negotiations. Reports suggest that Israel’s military finalized plans for the renewed offensive last week, before presenting them to Netanyahu.

Israel’s ongoing military campaign has already left much of Gaza in ruins, with homes, schools, and hospitals reduced to rubble.

Since the war erupted 18 months ago, over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.

Despite Tuesday’s large-scale attack, Israeli officials have not formally declared an end to the ceasefire, but indications suggest that hostilities will persist in the days ahead.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members