Israel Launches Major Airstrikes in Gaza: 400 Killed as Netanyahu Declares - Start of War

Israel Launches Major Airstrikes in Gaza: 400 Killed as Netanyahu Declares "Start of War"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Israel has resumed “full-scale military operations” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, warning, “This is only the beginning.” Hamas-run health authorities reported over 400 fatalities and hundreds injured in the strikes, marking the deadliest escalation since a January 19 ceasefire. The surge in violence has sparked global alarm.

Ceasefire Collapse and Rising Tensions Egypt condemned Israel’s attacks as a “clear breach of the truce agreement.” Bombardments in areas like Al-Mawasi, Rafah, and Nuseirat shattered weeks of relative calm in Gaza. Hospitals overflowed with casualties, and medical staff warned of a deepening humanitarian disaster. Dr. Mohammad Zakot, a Gaza-based physician, told the BBC, “The scale of injuries has overwhelmed our teams—we cannot keep up.”

Hostage Negotiations Stall Netanyahu accused Hamas of refusing to release Israeli hostages.

Israel claims 59 captives remain in Gaza, with only 24 likely alive. Families of hostages protested outside Israel’s parliament, accusing the government of abandoning their loved ones. Liran Berman, whose brother is held in Gaza, stated, “Hamas could return them if they chose to.”

U.S. Backing and Hamas’ Counterclaims The U.S. confirmed prior discussions with Israel about the offensive. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes asserted, “Hamas had the chance to extend the ceasefire but chose violence.” Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of imposing a “death sentence” on hostages and claimed Israel is forcing surrender through military pressure.

Humanitarian Crisis and Global Response Since the war began on October 7, 2023, over 48,500 Palestinians have been killed. Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and hospitals struggle to function. Dr. Sabrina Das, an international aid worker, said, “This new phase has terrified everyone—no one is safe.” While global leaders urge renewed peace talks, Netanyahu insists Israel’s goals remain “eliminating Hamas and securing the hostages’ return.”