reporting from Cairo and London
The Israeli military reports it is conducting “extensive strikes” in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas-run health ministry indicates that at least 130 Palestinians have died.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the targets were “terror targets” linked to Hamas.
Key Developments:
- Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in Gaza and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in the territory, was reportedly killed in a strike.
- This represents the largest wave of airstrikes in Gaza since the ceasefire initiated on January 19th.
- Negotiations to prolong the Gaza ceasefire have failed to produce an agreement.
Witnesses say explosions began in Gaza during pre-dawn meals, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan.
Over 20 Israeli warplanes reportedly flew overhead, subsequently striking targets in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz authorized the strikes on Tuesday morning.
The statement cited Hamas’s repeated refusal to release hostages and its rejection of proposals from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators as the impetus.
The statement added that “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.”
Strike Authorization and Planning
The plan for the strikes “was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership.”
Hamas Response
Hamas responded with strong condemnation, accusing Israel of breaking the ceasefire agreement. It also accused Israel of endangering the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Hamas has not yet resumed the war, instead calling on mediators and the United Nations to intervene.
A White House spokesperson informed Fox News that the US President Donald Trump’s administration had been consulted by Israel before the strikes occurred.
Negotiators are seeking a resolution following the conclusion of the initial phase of the temporary truce on March 1st.
The US suggested prolonging the first phase until mid-April, entailing further exchanges of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
However, a Palestinian official familiar with the discussions told the BBC that disputes between Israel and Hamas persist regarding key elements of the agreement proposed by Witkoff during the indirect talks.
Background on Conflict and Casualties
The latest conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel, primarily civilians, and took 251 hostage.
The Israeli military offensive that followed has resulted in more than 48,520 fatalities, with the majority being civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry, which is also used by the UN and other organizations.
Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced repeatedly.
Approximately 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and healthcare, water, and sanitation systems have collapsed. Shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter persist.