Gaza truce shatters as Israel carries out 'extensive' strikes and Netanyahu vows to hit Hamas with 'increasing

On Tuesday evening, the fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza collapsed, prompting Israel to launch a fierce aerial assault on the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use "increasing military force" against Hamas, escalating the conflict further.

The Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency stated in a joint statement that earlier on Tuesday, they were "currently carrying out extensive strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza." Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement, "We have returned to combat in Gaza tonight," signaling a renewed offensive.

Hamas official Basem Naim stated that the airstrikes had resulted in over 34 deaths and accused Israel of "unilaterally ending the ceasefire agreement." In a separate statement, Hamas declared, "Netanyahu and his extremist government have decided to overturn the truce agreement, putting the captives in Gaza in the face of the unknown fate."

The Gaza Civil Defense reported that many people were "trapped under the rubble of destroyed houses in various areas of Gaza." According to a CNN correspondent in Gaza, the sounds of airstrikes could be heard in multiple locations. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for the Gaza City Civil Defense, stated that more than 15 people, including 5 children, had died and over 20 were injured.

According to Al-Awda Hospital, more than 70 injured individuals arrived at the hospital in central Gaza after houses in the Nuseirat refugee camp were attacked. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz ordered the operation, accusing Hamas of "repeatedly" refusing to release hostages and rejecting all proposals from U.S. President's envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators. The Prime Minister's Office stated in a statement, "The IDF is currently striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip with the aim of achieving the war objectives set by the political echelon, including the release of all our hostages – alive or dead." The statement also emphasized, "From now on, Israel will strike Hamas with increasing military force."

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