Israel Signals More Attacks Ahead as Gaza Faces Devastating Air Strikes

Early Tuesday, Israel carried out airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The attacks, the deadliest in a 17-month conflict with Hamas, broke a ceasefire that had been in place since January. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the bombings after Hamas refused to comply with Israeli demands for changes to the ceasefire terms. The majority of those killed were women and children.

The White House stated that it had been consulted and expressed its support for Israel's actions. In a statement aired on national television, he said the attack was “only the beginning” and that Israel would press ahead until it achieves all of its war aims destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages held by the militant group. All further ceasefire negotiations will take place “under fire,” he said.

The Israeli military has instructed residents of eastern Gaza to move towards the center of the region, signaling the possibility of renewed ground operations. This comes as humanitarian organizations caution that essential supplies are running low, two weeks after Israel severed all deliveries of food, medicine, fuel, and other goods to Gaza’s 2 million inhabitants.

“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu's office said. The recent Israeli airstrikes during Ramadan signal the potential resumption of a war that has already resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and destruction in Gaza. The attacks raise concerns about the fate of hostages held by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel’s campaign against Hamas, supported by Iran, coincides with escalating regional tensions, including U.S. strikes on Iran-backed rebels and Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Syria.

 Netanyahu’s decision to renew military operations has drawn criticism from Hamas and opposition groups, while also strengthening his political position, as a far-right party rejoined the government. The hostages' families have accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire agreement. “We are shocked, angry and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.

Strikes across Gaza have caused widespread damage, including fires in a tent camp and hits on a school shelter. Following two months of calm during the ceasefire, Palestinians are once again digging through rubble to rescue family members and mourning the dead in hospital morgues.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have caused heavy casualties, with over 400 killed and hundreds injured, many of them women and children. Hospitals are overwhelmed with victims, including a young girl with severe injuries. The war, which began after a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, has led to over 48,500 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement. The U.S. blames Hamas for the renewed violence, while Israel targets Hamas leaders and infrastructure. Israel's demand for changes to the ceasefire deal was rejected by Hamas, resulting in the resumption of fighting.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have caused over 400 deaths and hundreds of injuries, many involving women and children. The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel, has resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement. The U.S. blames Hamas for the renewed violence, while Israel targets Hamas leaders and infrastructure. Israel's attempt to change the ceasefire terms was rejected by Hamas, leading to the resumption of hostilities.