Palestinians in distress as Israel launches deadly airstrikes
Palestinians in distress as Israel launches deadly airstrikes
Photo: AP
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday launched a wave of extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killing at least 69 people in the deadliest attack since the ceasefire on January 19, as per The Associated Press.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the heavy assault owing to the 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.
The surprise overnight attack shattered a period of relative calm 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.
There was no immediate US reaction. But over the weekend, US envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading mediation efforts along with Egypt and Qatar, warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately “or pay a severe price."