A two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas fell apart on Tuesday as Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza, killing more than 400 Palestinians in a wave of airstrikes, according to Palestinian health officials.
The attacks targeted multiple cities, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah, and Deir al-Balah, while tanks shelled areas near the border. Israel blames Hamas for the collapse of the ceasefire, accusing the group of refusing to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages. However, critics argue that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing political turmoil and mass protests, is using the war to strengthen his hold on power.
The initial ceasefire, brokered in January, had paused the fighting and facilitated the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for further hostage releases, a demand that Israel rejected.
