In a dramatic escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes have pummeled the Gaza Strip, leaving scores dead and many more trapped under rubble. The Gaza Civil Defense reported that people remain trapped beneath the ruins of bombed homes in various areas. The strikes, described by an Israeli official as "preemptive," commenced early Tuesday morning, with the goal of thwarting Hamas's alleged readiness to execute terror attacks and re-arm. Though Israel remained tight-lipped on specific intelligence regarding Hamas's activities, the toll has been severe.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 200 people have been killed in the recent wave of Israeli strikes. The enclave’s Civil Defense confirmed that at least 66 individuals, including children, lost their lives, and dozens were wounded as a result of the strikes. Hospitals across Gaza, from the northern Al-Awda Hospital in Tal Al-Zaatar to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the south, have been inundated with casualties. Dr. Razan Al-Nahhas, volunteering at Al-Ahli Hospital, noted that patients have been arriving non-stop since the strikes began at around 2 a.m. local time.
In a statement made during the conflict, Hamas leader Ezzat al-Rishq declared the airstrikes to be a "death sentence" for the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
“Netanyahu’s decision to return to war is a decision to sacrifice the prisoners of the occupation and a death sentence against them,” said Ezzat al-Rishq.
The escalation follows a ceasefire agreement reached on Monday between Israel and Syria, reported by Syria’s state-run SANA news agency. This truce came after previous strikes resulted in 10 deaths and over 50 injuries. However, by Tuesday, Israel had resumed military operations against Hamas targets throughout Gaza.
“Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza,” declared Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to apply "increasing military strength" against Hamas.
“From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force,” Netanyahu asserted.
As part of its military campaign, Israel aims to dismantle what it describes as Hamas’s "terrorist infrastructure," targeting mid-ranking military commanders and leadership officials. An Israeli official underscored that these strikes will persist "as long as necessary and will expand beyond airstrikes."
Israel's Defense Forces (IDF), led by its chief of staff and supported by the head of Shin Bet—Israel's internal security service—are orchestrating the operation from their headquarters in Tel Aviv.
The strikes come after Israel informed the Trump administration ahead of its military action on Gaza, as confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“Hamas, the Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose,” stated Karoline Leavitt.
In addition to military measures, Israel has imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza for nearly two weeks. This action is designed to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and accepting new truce conditions. However, negotiations are reportedly underway to lift this blockade, according to sources familiar with ongoing discussions.
Amidst the chaos and destruction, civilians in Gaza have been fleeing for shelter by any means possible. Many rushed their wounded loved ones to hospitals as airstrikes continued to ravage the Palestinian enclave in the early hours of Tuesday. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with deaths and injuries reported from one end of the strip to the other.
Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal confirmed tragic losses from the strikes, with at least five children among the deceased.
“The IDF is currently attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, with the aim of achieving the war goals as determined by the political echelon, including the release of all our hostages — living and dead,” announced the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
