At least 100 people were killed in Gaza early Tuesday as Israel launched a wave of intense airstrikes, shattering the fragile ceasefire that had held since January. The attacks targeted multiple locations across Gaza, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The strikes marked the most intense Israeli bombardment since the ceasefire agreement took effect. According to Palestinian health officials, many of the victims were children as airstrikes struck heavily populated residential areas where thousands of displaced residents had taken refuge. The airstrikes came amid weeks of deteriorating diplomatic talks between Israel and Hamas regarding the fate of 59 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release the hostages despite ongoing mediation efforts involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. In response, a Hamas spokesperson condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of unilaterally violating the ceasefire and warning that the situation could escalate further.
 

The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted with the Trump administration before executing the attacks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News' "Hannity" that the Israeli government had briefed President Donald Trump’s administration prior to launching the offensive. Leavitt stated that Trump had previously warned Hamas, as well as other regional groups like the Iran-backed Houthis, that they would face consequences for acts of terrorism. The ceasefire, initially brokered on January 19, was intended to halt the ongoing conflict and resulted in the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions rose in the weeks following the agreement as Israel accused Hamas of delaying the release of the remaining hostages. In response, Israel restricted humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, increasing pressure on Hamas to comply with negotiations. Meanwhile, Hamas insisted that any deal must include a permanent end to hostilities and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, demands that Israel refused to meet.
 

Tuesday’s airstrikes, according to the Israeli military, targeted Hamas commanders and key infrastructure. Israeli officials claimed the attacks were focused on military targets believed to be tied to Hamas leadership. However, Palestinian medical teams and local witnesses reported significant destruction in civilian areas. Multiple residential structures were destroyed, including apartment buildings in Gaza City and several homes in Deir al-Balah. Palestinian medics described chaotic scenes, with overwhelmed hospitals struggling to manage the surge in casualties. Gaza’s already damaged healthcare system, crippled by months of war, faced severe strain as medical teams attempted to treat the wounded.
 

The escalation comes after 15 months of ongoing conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants crossed Israeli borders, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. The attack prompted Israel to launch a widespread military campaign that has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The conflict has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, leaving families without shelter, food, or medical care. As humanitarian conditions worsen, international leaders have called for restraint and renewed peace talks. The United Nations has urged both sides to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza’s civilians. Aid organizations have expressed concerns that the ongoing violence could trigger a broader humanitarian catastrophe in the region. Israel's recent airstrikes have intensified the conflict’s volatility, and the fragile peace efforts between the two sides now face a critical setback. With both Israel and Hamas holding firm on their demands, the region remains on edge as fears of further escalation grow.