Israel’s Renewed Assault on Gaza: Civilian Death Toll Soars Amid Ceasefire Collapse

Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip): Israel unleashed a relentless wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, carrying out its most intense bombardment since the fragile ceasefire took effect in January. The attacks, which Israel claimed targeted Hamas, left at least 404 Palestinians dead, including women and children, according to hospital reports.

The large-scale assault shattered the brief respite during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and further deepened the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, increasingly embattled at home, justified the strikes by citing stalled ceasefire negotiations, despite Hamas’ continued calls for a permanent truce and a structured hostage exchange.

Observers note that Netanyahu, under fire for his failure to secure the return of Israeli hostages and facing mass protests over his handling of the war, has resorted to ramping up military aggression as a political diversion. His office declared that Israel would escalate military action against Hamas with "increasing strength," further threatening the already devastated Palestinian territory.

Mass Casualties as Gaza Hospitals Overflow

In the southern city of Khan Younis, witnesses described scenes of horror as explosions ripped through residential areas. At Nasser Hospital, wounded civilians lay on the floor, screaming in pain, as medical teams struggled to cope with the influx of casualties.

A deadly Israeli strike on a home in Rafah killed 17 members of a single Palestinian family, including 12 women and children. The European Hospital, which received the bodies, confirmed that five children, their parents, and another father with his three children were among the victims.

Palestinians had anticipated renewed hostilities as Israel increasingly obstructed humanitarian aid and tightened its siege on Gaza. In recent weeks, Israel blocked shipments of food, fuel, and medical supplies, using starvation tactics to pressure Hamas into concessions.

"Nobody wants to fight," said Nidal Alzaanin, a Palestinian resident of Gaza City. "Everyone is still suffering from previous months of destruction and death."

Washington’s Unwavering Support for Israeli Aggression

The White House, instead of pushing for de-escalation, once again backed Israel’s brutal offensive, blaming Hamas for the collapse of the ceasefire. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes accused Hamas of refusing to release hostages, but critics argue that Israel deliberately undermined negotiations by imposing unrealistic demands while continuing its military occupation.

A senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the military operation would not be limited to airstrikes, suggesting a further escalation that could lead to even more civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a chilling threat, declaring that “the gates of hell will open in Gaza” if hostages were not released—ignoring the fact that Israel itself has blocked meaningful negotiations.

Netanyahu’s Political Desperation Fuels Violence

The sudden escalation comes as Netanyahu faces growing domestic outrage over his handling of the war and the hostage crisis. Israeli families of hostages have repeatedly called for an extension of the ceasefire to secure the safe return of their loved ones, yet Netanyahu has chosen military escalation over diplomacy. Mass protests erupted across Israel in response to Netanyahu’s announcement that he intends to fire the head of Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, in what critics see as a desperate attempt to shift blame for the failures surrounding the October 7 attack and its aftermath.

His government’s policies have also exacerbated divisions within Israeli society, as public frustration mounts over the growing number of casualties and the long-term implications of the war.

Gaza’s Ongoing Humanitarian Catastrophe

Since Israel launched its full-scale offensive in response to the October 7 Hamas-led attack, over 48,000 Palestinians—many of them civilians—have been killed. The vast majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced, forced to live in dire conditions with no access to clean water, food, or medical care. While Israel insists its objective is to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure, its repeated targeting of civilian homes, hospitals, and schools raises serious concerns about war crimes. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over half of those killed have been women and children, further disproving Israel’s narrative of precision strikes against militants.

The fragile ceasefire had offered a brief moment of respite, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what little remained of their homes. Now, with Israel’s renewed attacks, those civilians face yet another cycle of bloodshed and destruction.

The collapse of the ceasefire negotiations was largely driven by Israel’s refusal to commit to a lasting peace. Hamas had agreed to discussions on a phased release of Israeli hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities, but Israel instead demanded total military victory—a goal that experts say is unrealistic and will only prolong the suffering of civilians.

Despite US- backed mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, Israel has consistently blocked meaningful negotiations. Netanyahu’s government insists on maintaining its military presence in Gaza, refusing to consider a full withdrawal despite international pressure.

Hamas spokesperson Taher Nunu condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. “The international community is facing a moral test: will it stand by as Israel continues its war crimes against innocent civilians, or will it intervene to stop this aggression?”

An Escalating War with No End in Sight

As the Israeli assault intensifies, the possibility of a return to all-out war looms large. Palestinians in Gaza—already battered by months of relentless bombing—now brace for another deadly escalation. International critics have warned that Netanyahu’s actions risk plunging the region into further instability while deepening the humanitarian crisis. But with Israel’s government intent on pursuing a military solution at all costs—and the US standing by its side—the cycle of violence is set to continue, with Palestinian civilians paying the ultimate price.