Palestinians Ali Marouf cook on fire on the roof of his destroyed house by the Israeli army’s air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip, on Monday, March 17, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday (March 18, 2025), saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January. Palestinian officials reported at least 200 deaths.
Read more: Israel consulted U.S. on its strikes in Gaza: White House
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office said.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of upending the ceasefire agreement and exposing the hostages ”to an unknown fate.” In a statement, it called on mediators to hold Israel “fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement.” Many Palestinians said they had expected a return to war when talks over the second phase of the ceasefire did not begin as scheduled in early February.
(With inputs from agencies)Follow here for live updates,