Israel early yesterday launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, the territory’s health ministry said.
The surprise bombardment shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement.
Photo: Bloomberg
Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand.
The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel’s actions.
The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza, including much of the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, and head toward the center of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations.
Photo: Reuters
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office said.
The attack during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could signal the full resumption of a war that has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.
It also raised concerns about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.
A senior Hamas official said Netanyahu’s decision to return to war amounts to a “death sentence” for the remaining hostages.
Izzat al-Risheq accused Netanyahu of launching the strikes to try and save his far-right governing coalition, and called on mediators to “reveal facts” on who broke the truce.
Hamas said at least four senior officials were killed in the strikes.
There were no reports of any attacks by Hamas several hours after the bombardment, indicating it still hoped to restore the truce.
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