Israel Airstrikes on Gaza: Israel’s military initiated one of its largest airstrike campaigns on Gaza early Tuesday, reportedly killing over 400 people. Targeting key locations like Gaza City, northern Gaza, Khan Younis, and Rafah, the strikes mark the collapse of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, reigniting violence after two months of tense peace.
In one of its most significant attacks since January’s ceasefire, Israel launched a powerful wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, leaving over 400 dead. The Israele Defense Forces (IDF) targeted mid-level Hamas commanders, striking key locations across northern Gaza, Gaza City, and southern regions including Khan Younis and Rafah. With the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas now shattered, Israel has signaled it may extend its offensive beyond airstrikes. The White House expressed support for Israel’s actions, confirming it had been consulted ahead of the operation. As the Gaza death toll rises, the situation remains critical, with fears of further escalation in the Middle East.
Israel Airstrikes on Gaza Target Hamas Leaders as Netanyahu Vows Increased Military Action
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel’s military launched a series of airstrikes early Tuesday, killing top Hamas leaders, including Essam Addalees, the de facto head of Hamas, Ahmed Al-Hetta, the deputy justice minister, and Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the deputy minister of interior. These targeted strikes come as Israel responds to Hamas’s repeated refusal to release hostages, a move that has raised tensions significantly.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office condemned Hamas for rejecting proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and international mediators, accusing the militant group of hindering peace efforts. Netanyahu stated that Israel would now escalate its military actions against Hamas with increased strength, signaling a major shift in the conflict.
Why Has Hamas Stuck to the Original Ceasefire Deal Terms While Israel Refuses Talks?
As tensions continue to escalate, Hamas has maintained its stance on the original ceasefire deal, insisting that Israel must fulfill its commitment to withdraw fully from Gaza before entering the second phase, which was supposed to begin earlier this month. This phase would have seen Israel’s complete withdrawal and the release of remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent end to the conflict. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli officials have made it clear that Israel will not end the war until Hamas’s military capabilities and governing structures are completely destroyed.
Despite initial agreements, Israel has refused to enter talks for phase two, which was set to begin on February 3. This decision has sparked continued tensions and uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire, as Israel pushes forward with its military operations and refuses to compromise on its security objectives. As the situation remains unresolved, many are left questioning if a lasting peace can ever be achieved under these conditions.
Gaza Conflict Intensifies: Over 48,000 Palestinians Dead After Hamas Attack on Israel
The war between Israel and Hamas escalated after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, when militants infiltrated southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 civilians and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military response has been relentless. While many hostages were released through temporary ceasefires or negotiated deals, Israeli forces were only able to rescue eight hostages and recover dozens of bodies.
In retaliation, Israel launched an aggressive offensive targeting Hamas militants in Gaza, leading to over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials. The ongoing airstrikes, ground operations, and blockades have wreaked havoc, with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced, adding to the region’s already dire humanitarian crisis.
