Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip killed no less than 200 folks early on Tuesday, Palestinian well being authorities stated, in what officers described as probably the most intense assault since a ceasefire came into effect in January.
The strikes focused dozens of places throughout the enclave, together with Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The Israeli navy stated it might proceed its operations for so long as vital and signalled that the offensive may prolong past airstrikes, elevating the prospect of a renewed floor assault.
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he ordered the strikes as a result of lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations, calling the operation “open-ended”.
His workplace warned: “Israel will, any longer, act in opposition to Hamas with growing navy energy.”
The White House confirmed that it had been consulted earlier than the assault and voiced help for Israel’s actions.
The escalation shattered a interval of relative calm in the course of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and deepened issues concerning the destiny of hostages nonetheless held in Gaza. Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce and placing the captives “at an unknown destiny”.
In Khan Younis, Palestinian witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke and our bodies coated in bloodied sheets as overwhelmed hospitals struggled to deal with the injured. The Palestinian Crimson Crescent stated its groups had counted no less than 86 lifeless and 134 wounded, whereas dozens extra had been dropped at hospitals by personal automobiles.
Many Palestinians had anticipated a return to hostilities after ceasefire talks stalled in early February. As an alternative of resuming negotiations, Israel imposed a blockade on meals, gas, and help deliveries in an try and stress Hamas into accepting another proposal.
“No person needs to battle,” stated Gaza Metropolis resident Nidal Alzaanin. “Everybody remains to be affected by the earlier months.”
Further reporting by businesses
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