Israeli Airstrikes Kill Over 200 in Gaza as Ceasefire Collapses
At least 200 people have been killed in Gaza following a new wave of Israeli airstrikes, Palestinian health authorities reported. The attacks, which struck multiple locations early Tuesday, came after weeks of stalled negotiations over extending a ceasefire that had been in place since January.
The Israeli military confirmed it had hit dozens of targets across northern and southern Gaza, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Palestinian officials say many of the casualties include children.
Escalation After Ceasefire Talks Fail
The latest strikes mark a dramatic escalation in the conflict after diplomatic efforts to extend the January 19 truce failed. The Israeli military has indicated that operations will not be limited to airstrikes, raising fears of a renewed ground offensive.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least 86 bodies and 134 wounded individuals were recovered, while overwhelmed hospitals received additional casualties brought in by private vehicles.
In Khan Younis, Al-Aqsa Hospital, and Gaza City’s Al-Ahly Hospital—already severely damaged in the conflict—medical staff reported receiving around 85 dead. Authorities also confirmed that 16 members of a single family in Rafah had perished in the attacks.
Crisis in Gaza Hospitals
Hospitals in Gaza, already struggling after 15 months of bombardment, are facing an overwhelming influx of casualties. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of bodies wrapped in white plastic sheets, stained with blood, as medical staff fought to manage the crisis with dwindling resources.
A spokesperson for the Gaza health ministry stated that the official death toll had reached at least 200, with the numbers expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Hamas Blames Israel for Ending Ceasefire
Hamas has accused Israel of unilaterally breaking the ceasefire agreement, leaving the fate of 59 hostages still held in Gaza uncertain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, however, shifted blame onto Hamas, alleging the group refused multiple offers to release hostages. The statement declared that Israel would now take increasingly aggressive military action against Hamas.
International Reactions
In Washington, a White House spokesperson confirmed that Israel had consulted the U.S. administration before launching the attacks. The military claims its primary targets were mid-level Hamas commanders, leadership officials, and militant infrastructure.
“Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war,” said White House spokesperson Brian Hughes.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
Following the renewed attacks, Israeli tanks reportedly shelled areas in Rafah, causing panic among civilians who had returned to their homes after the ceasefire. Many families are now fleeing northward to Khan Younis, fearing further escalation.
With tensions at a boiling point and no diplomatic breakthrough in sight, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens as both sides brace for further conflict.
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Israeli Airstrikes Kill Over 200 in Gaza as Ceasefire Collapses