(CLO) Israel launched a series of fierce airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on the morning of March 18, killing at least 200 people, threatening to completely break the two-month ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to take "strong action" against Hamas, accusing the group of refusing to release hostages and rejecting a ceasefire proposal. The prime minister's office said Israel would increase its military strength in upcoming offensives.
Hamas accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire agreement, leaving the fate of the remaining 59 hostages uncertain. Tensions in the region continued to escalate, spreading to Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, pushing the Middle East into the risk of regional conflict.
Photo: Unsplash
Israeli airstrikes have been widespread, leaving dozens of areas in Gaza devastated. Many children were among the dead, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry . Israel said it had targeted dozens of Hamas targets and would continue its military operations until its goals were achieved.
One of the senior Hamas figures killed in the attack was Mohammad Al-Jmasi, along with members of his family, including his young grandchildren. At least five other senior Hamas leaders were also killed. Israel claims to have significantly weakened Hamas and Hezbollah, and has expanded its attacks on the Houthis.
The situation in Gaza is dire as hospitals are overwhelmed after more than a year of fighting. Bodies are piling up in makeshift morgues, while many of the wounded are being transported to hospitals by private vehicles. In Rafah alone, an airstrike killed 16 members of one family.
The Israeli government confirmed that it had consulted with the US before carrying out the airstrikes. The US is pressing Hamas to release the remaining 59 hostages in exchange for a long-term ceasefire. However, Hamas has insisted on a permanent end to the conflict and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Fighting has flared up again since a ceasefire agreed on January 19 collapsed. Much of Gaza is now in ruins after 15 months of conflict since October 7, 2023.
Ngoc Anh (according to IDF, Reuters, AJ)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-tiep-tuc-khong-kich-gaza-it-nhat-200-nguoi-thiet-mang-post339009.html
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