Israel warns of more strikes as over 400 killed in Gaza airstrikes following ceasefire collapse

JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza on Tuesday, killing over 400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, marking one of the deadliest days since the war erupted. The attacks shattered nearly two months of relative calm following a ceasefire, with Israel warning that the onslaught was “just the beginning.”

The ceasefire, which had largely held since January, brought temporary relief to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been displaced by continuous bombings. However, both Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the truce, reigniting violence that had been simmering beneath diplomatic negotiations.

Israel: No More Negotiations Without Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the renewed military campaign, citing Hamas’ rejection of proposals to extend the ceasefire.

“From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing force. And from now on, negotiations will only take place under fire,” Netanyahu declared from the Kirya army base in Tel Aviv.

He urged civilians in Gaza to evacuate to “safer areas,” while holding Hamas responsible for every civilian casualty.

“Hamas has already felt the blow of our arm in the last 24 hours. And I want to assure you: This is just the beginning,” Netanyahu warned.

Heavy Bombardment Across Gaza

Israeli warplanes struck residential houses and tent encampments from northern to southern Gaza, including Gaza City, where witnesses reported missiles raining down late into the night.

Tanks also shelled areas near Beit Hanoun and eastern Khan Younis, forcing thousands of families to flee on foot, in cars, or riding rickshaws. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders, warning residents to leave “dangerous combat zones.”

The Palestinian health ministry reported 408 fatalities on Tuesday alone, with 562 more wounded. In overcrowded hospitals, piles of bodies wrapped in white plastic sheets, stained with blood, were stacked as medical teams struggled to keep up with the influx of casualties.

“It was a night of hell. It felt like the first days of the war,” said Rabiha Jamal, 65, a mother of five from Gaza City.

International Reaction and Humanitarian Crisis

The breakdown of the ceasefire sparked international condemnation. Egypt and Qatar, both key mediators, denounced Israel’s assault, while the European Union issued a statement expressing deep concern over the renewed hostilities.

Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief coordinator, warned that the “modest gains” made during the ceasefire had now been destroyed.

Meanwhile, Israel has halted aid deliveries into Gaza for over two weeks, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

Despite widespread criticism, U.S. officials placed the blame solely on Hamas.

“Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war,” said White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes.

Hamas Officials Among the Dead

Hamas confirmed that several high-ranking officials were killed in the latest strikes, including:
🔹 Essam Addalees – De facto head of Hamas’ government
🔹 Ahmed Al-Hetta – Deputy justice minister
🔹 Mahmoud Abu Watfa – Head of Hamas-run security services

Hostage Crisis and Standoff in Truce Talks

Despite the escalating violence, Hamas reaffirmed its willingness to negotiate, claiming Israel had gone back on the deal by blocking humanitarian aid and refusing to engage in talks for a second-phase truce.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua told Reuters:

“We remain committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement as signed, but Israel has refused to proceed with the next phase.”

Israel had pushed for an agreement to extend the truce until after Ramadan and Passover in April, prioritizing the return of the 59 remaining hostages Hamas is still holding from the October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis, according to Israeli sources.

Since the war began, Palestinian health authorities report over 48,000 people have been killed in Gaza.

As Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, it has also launched operations in the occupied West Bank, southern Lebanon, and Syria, escalating tensions across the region.

With both sides refusing to back down and civilian casualties mounting, the latest escalation threatens to plunge the region into an even deeper crisis. Will negotiations resume, or is this truly ‘just the beginning’ of another deadly chapter?

With report from Reuters