Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed 404 people, according to the Gaza health ministry, as the conflict intensifies following Israels violation of the ceasefire agreement. A further 562 people were reported injured.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying Israel will act against Hamas “with increasing military force.” The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation orders for multiple areas, including Beit Hanoun, Khuza’a, Abasan al-Kabira, and al-Jadida, advising residents to relocate to shelters in Gaza City and Khan Younis. However, these locations have also been targeted in recent strikes.
Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 404 killed in Israeli airstrikes, with some victims still trapped under rubble.
On WhatsApp, the ministry cites a higher figure of 413. The bombardment continues as rescue efforts remain underway.#Gaza #Israel #Palestine pic.twitter.com/9ChhqMmEnl
— British Pakistani Index (@PakistaniIndex) March 18, 2025
Northern Gaza, Deir al-Balah, and Rafah have also come under attack. According to Palestinian health officials, many of the casualties include children.
The Gaza government media office has condemned the airstrikes, calling them a “blatant violation of all international and humanitarian conventions.”
The renewed military action comes amid ongoing negotiations over the release of 59 Israeli hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Hamas had demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of a deal for their release.
The United Nations has condemned the strikes, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk calling them “horrifying.” The UN Security Council is set to convene for an emergency briefing.
A Hamas official stated that Israel’s actions amount to unilaterally ending the ceasefire. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel had consulted the Trump administration before launching the latest airstrikes.
The ceasefire agreement, which lasted six weeks in its first phase, saw Hamas release 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, talks over the second phase stalled as Israel and Hamas failed to reach an agreement on the release of the remaining hostages.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticised the Israeli government’s decision to resume airstrikes, stating that it had “chosen to give up on the hostages.”
Pressure is mounting on Netanyahu domestically, as families of hostages demand a resolution. His corruption trial testimony was postponed following the renewed strikes.
US Middle East envoy Mr Witkoff had proposed extending the ceasefire until 20 April, covering Ramadan and Passover, but Hamas rejected the offer. Israel subsequently halted all goods and supplies to Gaza, accusing Hamas of refusing to accept the proposal. Five days later, Israel cut off electricity supplies to the enclave.