Israeli forces launched a massive strike on the Gaza Strip earlier on Tuesday, which appears to be the first major attack on the territory since the ceasefire with Hamas, which began about two months ago.
The Israeli military said in a telegram before 2:30 a.m. local time that this was a “widespread strike against the terrorist targets of Hamas terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip.” It said the attack was ordered by Israel’s political leaders.
Not long after, Hamas said in a statement that the Israeli government “restored its aggressiveness” in the Gaza Strip. It is unclear whether the strike effectively ended the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect in mid-January.
Israel Prime Minister’s Office Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that he and Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the military to take action, citing Hamas’ “repeated refusal” and “release the hostages” and that the activists rejected all suitors from Steve Witkoff, and that we rejected all proposals to the Middle East and other Mid Divisions and other Mid Divisions Steve Witkoff.
“From now on, Israel will take action against Hamas with an increasing military force,” the statement said.
Witnesses posted overnight videos and strike accounts on social media. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 44 Palestinians, five of whom were killed during an Israeli strike. The ministry said more than 50 people were injured.
Mediators, including the United States, Qatar and Egypt, have been involved in negotiating the next step in the Ceasefire Agreement, which will involve the permanent end of the war. However, given the deep-rooted differences between the two sides, they made little progress. On October 7, 2023, shortly after the Israeli attack led by Israeli Hamas, Israel began to attack Gaza.
Since the ceasefire came into effect, the Israeli military has launched a series of smaller strikes in Gaza, which Hamas claims killed more than 150 people, at least some civilians. It has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the armistice agreement by continuing its military operations.
Raja Abdulrahim Contribution report.
