Over 308 Palestinians, including children and newborns, were killed as Israel launched large-scale strikes across Gaza
At least 308 Palestinians have been killed as Israel launched a large-scale assault on Gaza, ending a fragile two-month ceasefire with Hamas. The strikes targeted densely populated areas, residential buildings, and makeshift schools, leaving behind a scene of unimaginable devastation.
Among the dead were 77 people in Khan Younis, 20 in Gaza City, and countless others in Deir el-Balah and Rafah. Medical workers and eyewitnesses described hospitals overflowing with mangled bodies, grieving parents, and newborn babies pulled lifeless from the wreckage.
The Israeli government justified the massive military operation, claiming it was necessary due to Hamas’s refusal to release Israeli captives or extend the ceasefire deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to escalate military action, stating Israel would strike Hamas with “increasing military strength.”
Horrors Unfold as Families Dig Through Rubble
Gaza’s hospitals have been overwhelmed with injured children, unconscious infants, and families carrying the remains of loved ones.
“We woke up to Israeli strikes everywhere,” said Ahmed Abu Rizq, a teacher in Gaza. “Parents arrived at the hospital, holding the remains of their children in their hands. It’s beyond horror.”
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, confirmed that Israeli fighter jets and drones filled the skies, striking neighborhoods, shelters, and areas where civilians had taken refuge. Among the dead were women, children, and elderly Palestinians who had nowhere to escape.
Ceasefire Talks Collapse, War Resumes
Hamas has condemned Israel’s attack as a “unilateral cancellation” of the ceasefire agreement that had been in place since January 19. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) accused Israel of “deliberately sabotaging all efforts to maintain peace”.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the “gates of hell” would remain open until all captives were released and Israel’s war aims were fulfilled.
Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, Jordan, said sources within Israel’s political establishment indicated that resuming full-scale war had always been the plan. A new Israeli army chief of staff has reportedly stated that 2025 will be a year of war, signaling that Israel has no intention of halting its military campaign in Gaza.
Death Toll Rises Amid Total Devastation
Israel’s 18-month war on Gaza has already flattened entire neighbourhoods, turned hospitals to rubble, and left millions in desperate conditions.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. With hospitals overwhelmed, hundreds more are expected to die in the coming days.
In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel had consulted President Donald Trump before launching the strikes, though it remains unclear what response—if any—the U.S. will take.
As the bombing intensifies, Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation is spiralling into a catastrophe of historic proportions.
