Hamas Says Truce 'Overturned' as Israel Carries Out 'Extensive Strikes' in Gaza Killing Over 300

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January. Palestinian officials reported at least 300 deaths.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office said.

The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.

In a statement, Hamas condemned what it called Israel’s “unprovoked escalation” and said it had put the fate of the hostages in jeopardy.

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An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas’ military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks. The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks. Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.

Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said the “gates of hell will open in Gaza” if the hostages aren’t released. “We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals,” he said.

 Israel notified the Donald Trump administration before launching its latest "extensive strikes" in Gaza, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told media. She further emphasised that President Trump had made it clear that groups like Hamas and the Houthis would face serious consequences for their actions against Israel and the US.

"The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight – and as President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose," Leavitt told reporters.

The airstrikes come two months after a ceasefire was agreed upon, which saw Hamas release roughly three dozen hostages in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, since the ceasefire’s first phase ended two weeks ago, the sides have failed to agree on the next steps, with no progress made toward a second phase aimed at releasing the remaining hostages and ending the war entirely.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli troops remained in Gaza, and Israel continued airstrikes, claiming that Palestinians were trying to carry out attacks or were approaching troops in restricted zones. Netanyahu had previously warned of a resumption of hostilities and even cut off food and aid deliveries into Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas.