Israel conducted “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets in Gaza early Tuesday, resulting in the shattering of the fragile ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to escalate military operations against the militant group, and Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, “We have returned to fighting in Gaza tonight.”
Hamas claimed that Israel had violated the nearly two-month-old truce, leaving the fate of the captives in Gaza uncertain. Hamas was accused by Israel of “repeatedly” ignoring mediation offers and refusing to hand over hostages.
The Health Ministry of Gaza reports that over 320 people have been killed and hundreds more injured as a result of Israel’s attack. One Gazan doctor reportedly told CNN that the situation was “unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before” and that the majority of patients were children.
After phase one concluded over two weeks ago, with both sides at odds over how to move forward, which could lead to the release of any remaining Israeli hostages and the establishment of a lasting peace, the fate of the agreement was already uncertain.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that Israel informed the Trump administration of its “extensive strikes” in Gaza in advance.
“The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight – and 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.” In an interview with Fox News, Leavitt declared, “All hell will break loose.”
