Israel carried out its most intense airstrikes on Gaza since the January ceasefire, with 220 casualties reported, as tensions escalated following stalled negotiations on extending the truce. The attack, which primarily affected women, children, and the elderly, marked a significant shift in military operations against Hamas, with Israeli officials vowing to intensify efforts.
The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration before launching the strikes. According to Israeli officials, the offensive was ordered in response to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and its rejection of proposed peace agreements mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Qatar, and Egypt.
An Israeli official stated that military operations would continue “as long as necessary”, with plans to expand beyond airstrikes. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported at least 150 additional wounded, with rescue teams still retrieving victims from collapsed buildings. Reports from Khan Yunis and Gaza City described scenes of devastation, with emergency responders struggling to manage the influx of casualties.
The renewed hostilities follow failed negotiations over a “bridge proposal”, in which Hamas was expected to release five living hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander, in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas had indicated readiness to release Alexander and the remains of four other hostages, but U.S. officials called their response “unacceptable.”
Since the truce’s first phase ended in early March, both sides have failed to reach an agreement on a long-term ceasefire. Hamas had previously released 33 hostages, including eight deceased, while Israel freed around 1,800 Palestinian detainees. However, negotiations for a second phase stalled, with Israel insisting on “total demilitarization” of Gaza and the removal of Hamas before agreeing to a permanent ceasefire.
In response to the deadlock, Israel has cut aid and electricity to Gaza, further worsening humanitarian conditions. The ongoing retaliatory strikes have resulted in at least 48,572 deaths, mostly civilians, since the beginning of the war, according to figures from both sides.
With diplomatic efforts in crisis and military action escalating, the conflict between Israel and Hamas appears far from resolution, leaving Gaza’s civilians caught in the crossfire.
