Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The surprise bombardment broke a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.
What to Know:
Death Toll: Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 404 people were killed in the strikes, with more than 560 wounded. Rescuers are still searching the rubble, making it one of the deadliest days of the war. According to local health officials, the conflict has killed over 48,000 Palestinians and displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population.
Israel’s Position: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes due to a lack of progress in negotiations to extend the ceasefire. The White House confirmed that it had been consulted and expressed support for Israel’s actions. The Israeli military has ordered evacuations from eastern Gaza, including much of Beit Hanoun in the north and other southern communities, signaling a potential renewed ground operation.
Hamas’ Response: The militant group accused Netanyahu of abandoning the ceasefire and putting Israeli hostages at greater risk. An estimated two dozen Israeli hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza.
UN: Israeli Strikes Have Erased Humanitarian Progress
The United Nations’ humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, told the Security Council that all of the “modest gains” made during the ceasefire have been wiped out by Israel’s surprise airstrikes.
“Overnight, our worst fears materialized after strikes resumed across the entire Gaza Strip,” Fletcher said in a briefing to the U.N.’s highest body. He urged the international community to ensure that pre-ceasefire conditions do not return.
The monthlong truce had allowed some humanitarian relief, including food, shelter, and medical aid, to reach Gaza. It also enabled hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remained of their homes. However, the renewed conflict has once again plunged the region into crisis.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided on Que Onda Magazine as they emerge.