Israeli Airstrikes Kill 326 Palestinians In Gaza As Ceasefire Collapses
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has collapsed, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 326 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip.
The attacks, which struck densely populated areas in Khan Younis, Rafah, Gaza City, and Deir el-Balah, have left scores of civilians, including women and children, dead and many more trapped under rubble.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, hospitals in the war-torn enclave have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties.
“326 martyrs arrived at Gaza Strip hospitals so far,” the ministry said, warning that many victims remain buried beneath collapsed buildings.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of horror as families search through the ruins of their homes, unable to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones.
Residential areas, schools, and shelters have been targeted, further deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Breaking Ceasefire
The armed wing of Hamas has condemned the Israeli attacks, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of unilaterally abandoning the ceasefire agreement, which had been in place since 19 January.
“Netanyahu and his extremist government are making a decision to overturn the ceasefire agreement, exposing prisoners in Gaza to an unknown fate,” Hamas said in a statement, calling for support across Arab and Islamic nations.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also blamed Israel for deliberately sabotaging all efforts to maintain peace, claiming the assault was part of a broader strategy to prolong the war.
Netanyahu Defends Strikes, Vows Stronger Military Action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the renewed offensive, stating that the military was ordered to take “strong action” against Hamas after the group allegedly refused to release captives or extend the ceasefire.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office declared. The Israeli military also confirmed via Telegram that it was conducting “extensive strikes on terror targets.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that Israel had consulted U.S. President Donald Trump before launching the operation, further highlighting Washington’s involvement in the crisis.
Mass Casualties and Scenes of Devastation
Ahmed Abu Rizq, a teacher in Gaza, described the chaos as civilians fled in terror.
“We were frightened, our children were frightened. We had many calls from our relatives to check on ourselves. And the ambulance started to run from one street to another,” he told Al Jazeera.
Many families arrived at hospitals carrying the remains of their loved ones, with medics struggling to cope with the influx of wounded.
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, confirmed that Israeli strikes hit heavily populated areas, including makeshift schools and residential buildings.
“We understand that among those who were found as victims during the attack were newborn babies, children, women, and the elderly,” he reported. Several senior Hamas officials were also reportedly killed in the bombardment.
Gaza’s Government Media Office Condemns Massacre
Gaza’s Government Media Office has strongly condemned the airstrikes, calling them “brutal massacres” and accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
“These brutal massacres committed by the Israeli occupation army reaffirm that this occupation only understands the language of killing, destruction, and genocide. They expose the true intentions of the occupation in shedding the blood of innocent people without the slightest moral or legal restraint,” the office stated.
War Continues As Talks Collapse
The breakdown of ceasefire negotiations has deepened the crisis. Hamas had previously released around three dozen captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, talks for a permanent ceasefire stalled after Israel insisted on extending the first phase until mid-April.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a chilling warning, declaring that the “gates of hell” would open if the remaining captives were not freed.
“We will not stop fighting until all of the hostages return home and all the war’s aims are achieved,” he stated.
Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, Jordan, said Netanyahu’s refusal to engage in the second phase of ceasefire negotiations had led to the resumption of hostilities.
“Several Israeli analysts, several within the political opposition, and several within Netanyahu’s own government said that this was the plan all along – a resumption of the fighting, to go back to full-scale war,” she reported.
With over 48,000 Palestinians killed since the war began, Gaza remains in ruins, its people facing an uncertain future as Israeli forces continue their relentless bombardment.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
