Israel Launches Big Strike on Gaza, Shattering Ceasefire

More than 400 reported killed amid stalled peace talks with Hamas
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Mar 18, 2025 12:00 AM CDT
Updated Mar 18, 2025 6:48 AM CDT
Israel Resumes Airstrikes in Gaza
Palestinians inspect the damage at Al-Tabi'in School in central Gaza Strip following an Israeli airstrike, Tuesday, March 18, 2025.   (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, the first major strikes since a ceasefire with Hamas took effect in January. The strikes killed more than 400 people and wounded over 500, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire, per the AP. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand.

  • The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel's actions.

  • Hamas warned that Israel's new airstrikes breached their ceasefire and put the fate of the remaining hostages in jeopardy.
  • The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.
  • Turkey's Foreign Ministry denounced Israel's airstrikes across Gaza as a new phase in "genocide." Istanbul called on the international community to take a "decisive stance" against Israel to ensure a permanent ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
(This story was updated throughout with new details.)

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