Israel terminated the ceasefire in Gaza following extensive airstrikes that resulted deaths of hundreds of Palestinians.

Israel initiated a series of extensive airstrikes across Gaza early on Tuesday, March 18, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and signaling the apparent collapse of the recently established ceasefire. 

The military operations targeted multiple areas, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, representing the most significant escalation since the ceasefire commenced on January 19. 

Local medical personnel and witnesses reported over 200 fatalities and more than 150 injuries due to the airstrikes and artillery bombardments, with casualties including women and children, some of whom were taking refuge in the Al-Tabi’in School in the Al-Daraj neighborhood. 

The strikes also affected Palestinian refugees in tents located in the Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis. The Israeli military said its readiness to persist with attacks on Hamas leaders and infrastructure in Gaza indefinitely, hinting at a possible ground invasion to complement the airstrikes.

In reaction, Hamas condemned the renewed assaults, asserting that they violate the ceasefire and jeopardize the hostages’ safety.

The group accused Israel of deliberately undermining the truce, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) denounced the actions as a continuation of a “war of extermination” against Gaza, asserting that the Israeli government would not achieve superiority over the resistance. 

The PIJ emphasized that the resilience of the Palestinian people and the bravery of their fighters would thwart any attempts by Israel to succeed in its military objectives.

Israel sought the counsel of President Trump prior to its recent military action in Gaza, as said by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “She emphasized that Trump has made it clear that groups like Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran, which threaten both Israel and the United States, will face significant consequences.”

Leavitt warned that these entities should heed Trump’s commitment to defend law-abiding citizens and support Israel, a key ally of the U.S. 

This military strike comes on the heels of failed indirect negotiations aimed at extending a ceasefire that had been in effect since January 19. While the U.S. advocated for a truce extension that would also address the release of hostages held by Hamas, disagreements over terms, particularly regarding the blockade on Gaza, have stalled progress. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have attributed the ceasefire’s breakdown to Hamas, accusing the group of not complying with proposals from U.S.presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. 

Netanyahu’s office indicated that the renewed military efforts are focused on achieving specific war objectives, including the release of all hostages. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have criticized Israel for not facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, alleging violations of the ceasefire agreement.