The death toll from Israel’s extensive strikes on Gaza has risen to at least 326, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave.
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The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas shattered today as Israel pounds Gaza with wave of deadly strikes what it described as “extensive strikes” on Hamas targets, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to use “increasing military strength” against the militant group, and Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring: “Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza.”
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision to restart military operations in Gaza came after “Hamas rejected two concrete mediation proposals presented by the US president’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.”
In a statement on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said Israel had agreed to the two proposals, whereas Hamas did not.
“As of this morning, Israel is operating with full force against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip,” the statement said. “From this point forward, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military intensity.”
Strikes targeted multiple locations throughout Gaza, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah in the central and southern regions. The Israeli military confirmed hitting dozens of targets and warned operations would continue “as long as necessary,” suggesting that ground troops could soon rejoin the conflict.
The death toll from Israel’s extensive strikes on Gaza has risen to at least 326, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave.
“A number of victims are still under the rubble, and efforts are underway to recover them,” it said.
More than 440 people have been wounded, some very seriously, as rescue workers search for victims believed to be under the rubble, the ministry said earlier.
Hamas officials have accused Israel of unilaterally ending the ceasefire agreement, placing the fate of the two dozen hostages still held in Gaza in jeopardy. The breakdown in negotiations stems from several critical disagreements between the warring parties.
Key points of contention include the number of hostages to be released in the next phase and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. While the original ceasefire agreement stipulated that Israeli troops should be withdrawn at this stage, Israel has resisted this requirement while Hamas insists it must be fulfilled.
U.S. officials involved in mediation efforts in Qatar have blamed Hamas for making “entirely impractical” demands during recent negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel has taken increasingly aggressive measures to pressure Hamas, including blocking aid shipments to Gaza and cutting electricity earlier in March.
The collapse of peace talks leaves the region facing renewed humanitarian crisis as the conflict intensifies. With both sides entrenched in their positions, prospects for restoring the ceasefire appear dim as casualties continue to mount.