Deadly Airstrikes Across Gaza Over 220 Palestinians Killed as Israel Expands Strikes on Hamas
Israel expands military operations beyond airstrikes, targeting key Hamas figures and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Over 220 Palestinians killed in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, according to the Ministry of Health.
- Israel expands military operations beyond airstrikes, targeting key Hamas figures and infrastructure.
- Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire and calls on mediators to intervene.
- Netanyahu orders intensified military action, citing Hamas’ refusal to release hostages.
- U.S. and regional players informed about the Israeli strikes in advance.
Continuous Airstrikes Claim Over 220 Lives in Gaza
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 220 Palestinians have been killed in a new wave of Israeli airstrikes targeting multiple cities across the Gaza Strip. The attacks, which began early Tuesday morning, struck densely populated areas in northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, according to BBC correspondents on the ground.
Eyewitnesses described intense bombings, with explosions heard throughout the region. Ambulances rushed to rescue the injured as thick plumes of smoke rose from the targeted locations.
Israel Expands Military Operations Beyond Airstrikes
The Israeli military announced that it had conducted widespread airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza and declared its readiness to escalate attacks against Hamas leaders and infrastructure for as long as necessary. The army suggested that its operations may extend beyond air raids, hinting at a broader military campaign.
An Israeli official told the BBC that the offensive would continue “as long as needed,” while the Israeli government ordered the closure of schools near Gaza, signaling the possibility of prolonged hostilities.
Key Hamas Officials Targeted
Among those killed was Mahamoud Abu Wafah, a senior Hamas security official. Several high-ranking police officers and political figures affiliated with Hamas were also targeted, according to Gaza authorities.
Israeli news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth quoted military sources stating that the surprise attack was based on intelligence gathered over two months during the ceasefire period. The report indicated that Israeli forces had mapped out hundreds of new targets during the lull.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Violating Ceasefire Agreement
Following the renewed airstrikes, Hamas issued a statement accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of violating the U.S.-Qatar-Egypt-mediated ceasefire agreement signed on January 19.
Hamas condemned the attacks and urged international mediators to hold Israel accountable for breaking the truce. The ceasefire deal was structured in three phases and was supposed to transition into a permanent peace agreement once the second phase began.
Netanyahu: “We Will Strike Hamas with Increasing Force”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the renewed military action, stating that Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and reject ceasefire proposals left Israel with no choice but to intensify its attacks.
“The Israeli military has been ordered to take strong action against Hamas in response to their continued intransigence,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
U.S. Was Informed of the Strikes in Advance
According to Axios, Israeli officials notified the U.S. administration in advance about the planned airstrikes. The White House confirmed prior consultations between Israeli and American officials before the attacks.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated in an interview with Fox News:
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“Israeli officials consulted with the Trump administration before launching airstrikes on Gaza. As President Trump has made clear, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran—along with all those who seek to spread terror—will pay a heavy price.”
Uncertain Future Amid Rising Tensions
With Israel signaling further escalation, and Hamas vowing retaliation, the region faces another cycle of intensified conflict. The fate of the ceasefire agreement remains uncertain, while the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise.
International mediators, including the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, may seek renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale war. However, with both sides entrenched in their positions, the chances of immediate de-escalation appear slim.
Follow MorningIslam.com for further updates on the situation in Gaza.
