Over 300 people have been killed after Israel launched “extensive strikes” on Gaza, breaking the ceasefire in place since January.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed it was targeting Hamas “terror targets”.
Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in the strip and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza, was reportedly killed.
This is the largest airstrike attack since the ceasefire took effect on January 19.
This comes as negotiations to extend the ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, as Israel has said Hamas is refusing to release the 59 remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza - of which only 24 are believed to be alive.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the strikes on Tuesday morning.
It said the plan was presented by the military over the weekend and approved by political leaders.
The statement reads: "This follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators."
"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength."
The strikes reportedly hit in the early hours of the morning as Gazans were having their pre-sunrise meal, due to it being Ramadan.
Following the strikes, the IDF issued an evacuation order for a number of areas in Gaza.
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee posted a map with evacuation areas marked in red along with a caption that read:” Warning to all residents of the Gaza Strip who are in the area marked in red, specifically in the neighborhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza'a, Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida.”
“The IDF has launched a massive offensive against terrorist organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones!”
He continued by urging people to evacuate to shelters in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, saying that remaining in the area would put their lives at risk.
In response to the strikes, Hamas has accused Israel of treachery for breaking the ceasefire agreement.
It has also said Israel is exposing their remaining hostages to “an unknown fate”.
More to follow...
Find Out More...
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed it was targeting Hamas “terror targets”.
Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in the strip and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza, was reportedly killed.
This is the largest airstrike attack since the ceasefire took effect on January 19.
This comes as negotiations to extend the ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, as Israel has said Hamas is refusing to release the 59 remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza - of which only 24 are believed to be alive.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the strikes on Tuesday morning.
It said the plan was presented by the military over the weekend and approved by political leaders.
The statement reads: "This follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators."
"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength."
The strikes reportedly hit in the early hours of the morning as Gazans were having their pre-sunrise meal, due to it being Ramadan.
Following the strikes, the IDF issued an evacuation order for a number of areas in Gaza.
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee posted a map with evacuation areas marked in red along with a caption that read:” Warning to all residents of the Gaza Strip who are in the area marked in red, specifically in the neighborhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza'a, Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida.”
“The IDF has launched a massive offensive against terrorist organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones!”
He continued by urging people to evacuate to shelters in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, saying that remaining in the area would put their lives at risk.
In response to the strikes, Hamas has accused Israel of treachery for breaking the ceasefire agreement.
It has also said Israel is exposing their remaining hostages to “an unknown fate”.
More to follow...
Find Out More...