Massive Israeli airstrikes in Gaza leave hundreds dead

At least 413 individuals, predominantly children, women, and the elderly, were killed in Gaza on Tuesday following extensive Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas positions.

This is the deadliest attack in the region since the ceasefire initiated on January 19.

The strikes, conducted during the holy month of Ramadan, also left around 150 people injured, as per Gaza's civil defense agency. Explosions rocked northern Gaza, Gaza City, and central and southern areas, including Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah.

Among the deceased is Mahmud Abu Watfa, a senior Hamas official overseeing police and internal security in Gaza City.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on the platform X that they were executing comprehensive operations against "terror targets" associated with Hamas, following directives from the political leadership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office justified the strikes, attributing them to Hamas’ persistent refusal to release hostages and their rejection of proposals mediated by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Consequently, schools in regions neighboring Gaza have been closed as a precaution.

"The IDF is engaging targets of Hamas terrorists throughout Gaza to achieve the war objectives set by our political leaders, including the release of all hostages," stated an official post by the IDF on X. The statement indicated that Israel would escalate military actions against Hamas.

Hamas criticized Netanyahu's decision, claiming it endangers the lives of hostages, using the ongoing conflict to divert attention from internal issues.

A Hamas official asserted, "Netanyahu's decision is effectively a death sentence for the hostages."

In a subsequent statement, Hamas accused Netanyahu of violating the ceasefire agreement, endangering prisoners to an uncertain outcome.

The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted the Trump administration prior to the attacks.

Ceasefire talks face impasse

Negotiations for a truce have hit a deadlock, with Israel advocating for an extension of the first phase of a proposed three-stage ceasefire, while Hamas insists on proceeding to the second phase, scheduled for March 2. Israel's proposal conditions include the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the removal of Hamas from power—a stance they have maintained since 2007.

Hamas recently proposed releasing American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander along with four hostage bodies, in exchange for initiating second-phase talks. Israel countered by accusing Hamas of manipulating the families of hostages.

During the initial ceasefire phase, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages, including five bodies, along with five Thai nationals, in exchange for approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. However, about 59 hostages remain captive.

The only previous truce in the ongoing conflict occurred in November 2023, lasting one week, during which hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.

The conflict, originating from Hamas's cross-border assault into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages. The ensuing Israeli military response has claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives and left more than 112,000 injured.