By Abdullahi Yusuf

Israel has resumed its military offensive in Gaza, killing over 300 Palestinians in a fresh wave of airstrikes early Tuesday, shattering a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.

The attacks targeted densely populated areas, including shelters, schools, and residential buildings where displaced civilians had sought refuge. As the strikes intensified, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for residents in eastern Gaza, warning of further operations against what it called “terror targets” linked to Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the renewed assault, citing Hamas’ failure to agree to proposed hostage release terms. “Israel will now act with increasing military strength until the war’s objectives are achieved,” his office declared, referencing its goal of eliminating the Palestinian group.

The surprise offensive coincided with pre-dawn Ramadan meals, catching many families off guard. Health officials in Gaza reported that entire households had been wiped out, with children among the dead. The attacks reignited fears of a full-scale escalation in a war that has already left over 48,000 Palestinians dead and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, according to local authorities.

The latest escalation comes months after Hamas fighters launched a deadly attack inside Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military response has devastated the Gaza Strip, drawing international condemnation and raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the enclave.

As the situation deteriorates, global powers including Russia and China have warned against further escalation, urging restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further civilian casualties.