Israel has now reportedly officially ended the two-month ceasefire in Gaza, launching a significant wave of airstrikes on Tuesday that resulted in over 400 fatalities, many of whom were women and children.
The strikes injured at least 500, according to health officials in Gaza. This new offensive, dubbed “Operation Strength and Sword,” marks a return to intensified combat as Israel seeks to target Hamas military capabilities.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the airstrikes were precipitated by Hamas’s refusal to accept U.S.-proposed terms for the release of hostages captured during an assault on October 7, 2023.
Katz warned that should Hamas fail to release all hostages, a severe response would follow. Hamas has since reported that several of its mid-level officials were killed in the Israeli strikes.
The airstrikes have prompted international concern, with calls for immediate intervention to halt such aggression.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim criticized the lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations and urged that an agreement from January to resume talks for a permanent end to the conflict be honored.
Horrific images already circulating from inside Gaza. The aftermath of Israeli airstrikes. One shows a small baby, wearing a jumpsuit with rainbows on it, who was killed. The death toll continues to rise.
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 18, 2025
Images from the aftermath show a chaotic scene at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, filled with bodies and grieving relatives. Many families were taken by surprise at the sudden return of hostilities.
The latest escalation comes after failed negotiations for a new ceasefire, as Israel had been blocking aid and resources to Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
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