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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Tuesday that it was “conducting extensive strikes” across the Gaza Strip, signaling the heaviest bombardment since the ceasefire was brokered in January.
“The goal remains the release of all our hostages—living and dead,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated. “From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force.”
Gaza health officials reported significant casualties, with dozens killed and wounded in the overnight attacks. “Our crews are unable to respond effectively due to limited resources and the dangerous situation,” said Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal. “We call on the world to stop this aggression.”
Ceasefire Talks Break Down
The renewed violence follows reports that Hamas rejected a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at securing a phased release of hostages. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed Sunday that Hamas’ counterproposal was “a nonstarter.”
“I’m not going to go into specifics, but it was totally unacceptable,” Witkoff said on CNN’s State of the Union. He added that Washington was supporting a “bridge” proposal in which Hamas would release five living hostages in exchange for a “substantial” number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of launching an “unprovoked escalation” and disregarding the terms of previous negotiations.
International Reactions and Next Steps
The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted the Trump administration before launching the strikes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that “the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation.”
Netanyahu’s office stated that military action was approved last week following a plan presented by the IDF and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz. “Hamas has repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers from the U.S. envoy and other mediators,” the statement read.
With international negotiators scrambling to salvage the ceasefire agreement, the region is on edge. Analysts warn that if diplomacy fails, Gaza could face a prolonged and intensified military campaign.
