**Israel Launches Airstrikes on Gaza**
At least 220 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes by the Israeli military, according to Hamas‘ health ministry. The Israel Defense Forces said they were targeting “terrorist targets” belonging to Hamas.
One of those killed was Mahmoud Ab Wafah, a high-ranking security official with Hamas. This is the largest wave of airstrikes since a ceasefire agreement started on January 19. Talks to extend the ceasefire had failed to reach an agreement.
**Witnesses Describe Chaos**
Many people were eating their breakfast in Gaza before dawn during the holy month of Ramadan. Suddenly, explosions began to go off. Witnesses said more than 20 Israeli warplanes flew overhead and struck targets in Gaza City and Rafah.
**Israeli Prime Minister Orders Strikes**
According to a press release from the PM’s Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes on Tuesday morning. The statement said the strikes were in response to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and reject all proposals from US Presidential envoy Steve Witkoff or mediators.
“We will not show mercy to our enemies,” warned Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN. He demanded the release of all hostages.
**Hamas Reacts Furiously**
Hamas accused Israel of treachery for reversing the ceasefire agreement and exposing remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza to an “unknown fate”. However, Hamas has not declared that the war will resume. Instead, it has called on mediators to intervene and the United Nations.
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