Israeli Military Launches Extensive Offensive in Gaza, Death Toll Surpasses 400
More than 400 fatalities reported as Israel conducts large-scale airstrikes in Gaza, prompting international concern.
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel launched a comprehensive military offensive against the Gaza Strip early on Tuesday, following a ceasefire agreement reached just two months prior.
As of the afternoon, Palestinian health authorities reported over 400 fatalities, including children, alongside more than 600 injuries.
Witnesses reported the deployment of tanks into Gaza, alongside ongoing airstrikes throughout the day.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) characterized the operations as a preemptive strike aimed at preventing Hamas from re-establishing its organizational capabilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the offensive, citing Hamas's failure to release hostages despite multiple requests, thus allegedly violating the ceasefire agreement established in January.
The U.S. White House indicated that Israel consulted with it prior to commencing the military actions.
Following the announcement of airstrikes, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of parts of the eastern Gaza Strip.
Reports from local aid organizations indicated that hundreds, if not thousands, began to flee the area in response to the directive.
A representative from a Gaza relief organization noted that the population is in a state of disarray, physically and psychologically weakened by the ongoing violence.
Palestinian officials reported that among those killed were high-ranking Hamas officials, including the most senior political leader in Gaza and several ministers, though many victims included women and children.
Some attacks targeted schools and residential buildings designated for displaced individuals.
Shortly after the strikes began, Israeli Defense Minister Katz issued a statement asserting that "the gates of hell will open in Gaza," and that the assault on Hamas would be executed with unprecedented force if hostages were not released.
The recent escalation follows earlier statements by Hamas, which in March declared that it would not release further hostages until negotiations regarding a second phase of the ceasefire commenced.
Concurrently, reports indicated that Israel had not allowed humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip since early March.
The situation further escalated following comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Israel should terminate the ceasefire if Hamas did not quickly release all hostages, asserting, "let hell break loose" in Gaza, and proposing to "clean out" all Palestinians from the area.
As of the afternoon, Palestinian health authorities reported over 400 fatalities, including children, alongside more than 600 injuries.
Witnesses reported the deployment of tanks into Gaza, alongside ongoing airstrikes throughout the day.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) characterized the operations as a preemptive strike aimed at preventing Hamas from re-establishing its organizational capabilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the offensive, citing Hamas's failure to release hostages despite multiple requests, thus allegedly violating the ceasefire agreement established in January.
The U.S. White House indicated that Israel consulted with it prior to commencing the military actions.
Following the announcement of airstrikes, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of parts of the eastern Gaza Strip.
Reports from local aid organizations indicated that hundreds, if not thousands, began to flee the area in response to the directive.
A representative from a Gaza relief organization noted that the population is in a state of disarray, physically and psychologically weakened by the ongoing violence.
Palestinian officials reported that among those killed were high-ranking Hamas officials, including the most senior political leader in Gaza and several ministers, though many victims included women and children.
Some attacks targeted schools and residential buildings designated for displaced individuals.
Shortly after the strikes began, Israeli Defense Minister Katz issued a statement asserting that "the gates of hell will open in Gaza," and that the assault on Hamas would be executed with unprecedented force if hostages were not released.
The recent escalation follows earlier statements by Hamas, which in March declared that it would not release further hostages until negotiations regarding a second phase of the ceasefire commenced.
Concurrently, reports indicated that Israel had not allowed humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip since early March.
The situation further escalated following comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Israel should terminate the ceasefire if Hamas did not quickly release all hostages, asserting, "let hell break loose" in Gaza, and proposing to "clean out" all Palestinians from the area.
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