Isreal Ends Gaza Truce, Carries Out Deadly Strikes

Isreal called off Gaza’s fragile ceasefire early Tuesday and carried out deadlt strikes across the enclave, as Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use “intense military strength” against Hamas.

The overnight bombardments struck multiple locations across Gaza, killing more than 320 people, according to Palestinian authorities, in the most extensive strikes since a months-long ceasefire came into effect, with Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring: “Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza.”

The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was already hanging in the balance with phase one ending more than two weeks ago and all sides at loggerheads over a path forward that might see remaining Israeli hostages freed and a permanent peace secured.

Israel’s military and security agency said they were “currently conducting extensive strikes” on Hamas targets in Gaza. In response, Hamas accused Netanyahu of deciding to overturn the ceasefire agreement, and “putting the captives in Gaza at risk of an unknown fate.”

At least 326 people have been killed and more than 440 wounded in the new wave of Israeli strikes, according to the Palestinian ministry of health in Gaza.

“It’s been absolutely horrific,” said Dr. Razan Al-Nahhas, a physician volunteering with the Humanity Auxilium organization at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. “Multiple explosions within just a span of a few minutes back-to-back.”

The Civil Defense in Gaza said a number people were “trapped under the rubble of homes that were bombed in various areas” of the enclave. CNN stringers in Gaza reported the sounds of strikes in multiple locations, including Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.

Many of the wounded were covered with bloodstained blankets, while others had their limbs wrapped in bloodied bandages.

Deaths and injuries, including of children, have been reported at hospitals ranging from the northern end of the strip to its southern tip more than 30 kilometers (18 miles) away, including Al-Awda hospital in Tal Al-Zaatar, northern Gaza; Al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat, central Gaza; and Nasser hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Several hospitals said the casualties were due to civilian homes being hit by the strikes.

Later on Tuesday, the Israeli military said it launched a “massive offensive” in Gaza and ordered civilians in multiple neighborhoods to evacuate, raising fears of further mass displacement.

Gaza being pushed to brink of ‘total societal collapse,’ humanitarian official says
“Babies, children all over the floor, bleeding from their heads, bleeding from their abdomens. Extremity injuries,” Al-Nahhas told CNN.

Israel had notified the Trump administration ahead of its strikes on Gaza, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

“As President Trump has made it clear, 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,” she told Fox News in an interview.

CNN/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma