More than 400 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed as Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Gaza on early Tuesday in what became the heaviest attack on the territory since a cease-fire took effect in January. More than 600 were reported injured during the airstrikes that hit targets in northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
An Israeli statement said it carried out the strikes after Hamas refused to release hostages held in the Gaza Strip, and rejected a truce deal proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Israel promised to use "increasing military force."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he instructed the army to target Hamas across the Gaza Strip.
“Hamas has already felt the strength of our hand in the past 24 hours. And I want to promise you – and them – this is only the beginning,” Netanyahu said in a televised address. He stressed that any ceasefire deal would take place “under fire”.
The Israeli army has issued evacuation orders covering the northernmost and eastern parts of Gaza, suggesting renewed ground attacks could be launched soon.
The surprise attack marked the bloodiest single day of violence since the first months of the war in 2023.
