Around 322 people have been killed or are missing after Israel launched “extensive strikes” on Gaza, breaking the ceasefire in place since January.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed it was targeting Hamas “terror targets”.
Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in the strip and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza, was reportedly killed.
This is the largest airstrike attack since the ceasefire took effect on January 19.
This is the largest airstrike attack since the ceasefire took place on January 19
REUTERS
This comes as negotiations to extend the ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, as Israel has said Hamas is refusing to release the 59 remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza - of which only 24 are believed to be alive.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the strikes on Tuesday morning.
It said the plan was presented by the military over the weekend and approved by political leaders.
The statement reads: "This follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators."
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"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength."
The strikes reportedly hit in the early hours of the morning as Gazans were having their pre-sunrise meal, due to it being Ramadan.
Following the strikes, the IDF issued an evacuation order for a number of areas in Gaza.
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee posted a map with evacuation areas marked in red along with a caption that read:” Warning to all residents of the Gaza Strip who are in the area marked in red, specifically in the neighborhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza'a, Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida.”
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee posted a map with evacuation areas marked in red
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“The IDF has launched a massive offensive against terrorist organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones!”
He continued by urging people to evacuate to shelters in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, saying that remaining in the area would put their lives at risk.
In response to the strikes, Hamas has accused Israel of treachery for breaking the ceasefire agreement.
It has also said Israel is exposing their remaining hostages to “an unknown fate”.
However, Hamas has not yet declared they are resuming the war, and have instead called on mediators and the United Nations to intervene.
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, warned the terrorist organisation to release the hostages, saying "we will show no mercy on our enemies".
A White House spokesman told Fox News that US President Donald Trump’s office was consulted by Israel before carrying out the strikes.
This comes as negotiations have been ongoing after the first phase of the temporary ceasefire came to an end on March 1.
In response to the strikes, Hamas has accused Israel of treachery for breaking the ceasefire agreement
REUTERSThe US proposed a further exchange of hostages and prisoners, extending the first phase until mid-April.
However, Israel and Hamas reportedly disagreed over key aspects of the agreement laid out by Witkoff.
The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel, killing over 1,200 people - mostly civilians - and taking a further 251 hostage.
An Israeli military offensive has since killed over 48,520 people in the past year and a half, according to the Hamas-run health ministry - which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters.
