Israel breaks ceasefire & launches deadly strikes on Gaza after negotiations stall, 330 reportedly killed

Israel launched a deadly wave of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, reportedly killing at least 330 Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to "take strong action" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

According to a statement from Israel's Prime Minister's Office, the attack was launched following Hamas's "repeated refusal to release [Israeli] hostages", and rejections of all proposals it received from U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.

"Israel, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength."

Attack claimed at least 330 lives

The deadly airstrikes on early Tuesday (Mar. 18) started when many people were having their pre-dawn meal, a meal consumed by Muslims fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, BBC reported, citing unnamed witnesses.

More than 20 military planes flew over and began hitting targets in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis, according to the unnamed witnesses.

The attack has claimed at least 330 lives, according to Hamas-run health ministry and cited by the BBC.

Hamas has accused Israel of turning against the ceasefire agreement, calling Israel's attack an "unprovoked escalation".

The group also said that Israel has jeopardised the fate of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Failed to reach an agreement on terms for second phase of ceasefire

The airstrikes took place two months after Israel and Hamas agreed on a temporary ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip as part of a three-phase agreement designed to put a permanent end to the Israel-Hamas war.

The first phase saw Hamas releasing 33 Israeli hostages in return for the release of nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended more than two weeks ago on Mar. 1, but both parties failed to reach an agreement on terms for the second phase, which would see the release of nearly 60 remaining Israeli hostages and the end of the war.

Hamas has demanded an end to the war and a full withdrawal of the Israeli military as conditions for the release of the remaining hostages.

However, Israel said it would not stop the war until it dismantled Hamas's leadership and military capabilities and released all of the hostages.

Hamas appealing to mediators and UN to step in

Earlier this month, Israel cut off aid and electricity from entering Gaza to pressure Hamas.

Hamas has not said that it is resuming the war, but instead appealed to mediators and the United Nations (UN) to step in.

Israeli government reportedly consulted U.S. President Donald Trump before launching the deadly airstrikes, according to a White House spokesperson speaking to Fox News.

Top image by Ali Jadallah / Anadolu Via AFP