At least 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes early Tuesday across various parts of Gaza. This followed an announcement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirming the resumption of military operations in the region. Netanyahu's office issued a statement declaring that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had instructed the Israeli military to take "forceful action" against Hamas in Gaza. The White House confirmed that Israel consulted with the Trump administration prior to the airstrikes, with White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stating: "The Israelis consulted with the Trump administration and the White House regarding their attacks on Gaza tonight."
Hamas condemned the escalation, accusing Netanyahu's government of violating the ceasefire agreement and endangering prisoners. A Hamas spokesperson urged international mediators to hold Israel accountable, claiming that Netanyahu was prioritizing his political interests over peace and the safety of captives.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that military operations would continue until all hostages were released, warning that "the gates of hell will open" if the hostages are not freed.
Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Egypt's leading Islamic institution, condemned the airstrikes as a "treacherous terrorist assault" on innocent civilians, emphasizing the impact on women and children. In a strongly worded statement, Al-Azhar urged the international community to take immediate action to halt what it called the "Zionist killing machine" and to hold those responsible accountable for the massacre.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry also condemned the Israeli strikes, labeling them a blatant violation of the ceasefire and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional stability. Saudi Arabia and Qatar joined the chorus of condemnation, with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani calling the attack on displaced civilians in their tents "another heinous crime" committed by Israel. He called for immediate international intervention to enforce the ceasefire and resume negotiations.
This renewed conflict marks a critical point in the ongoing violence, with increasing international calls for accountability and an end to hostilities.
