The death toll from Israeli airstrikes overnight on Gaza has crossed 400. Palestinian health authorities, run by the armed group Hamas, said over 500 people were injured in the strikes, threatening the complete collapse of a two-month ceasefire.
The Israeli military said it is carrying out extensive strikes after talks to extend the ceasefire failed. It’s the biggest wave of strikes since January 19, when the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release its hostages and rejecting proposals to extend the ceasefire. It said Israel will now act against Hamas with increasing military strength. The Palestinian group Hamas still holds 59 of the 250 hostages seized in its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. It has accused Israel of jeopardizing efforts by mediators to secure a permanent truce.
Egypt, one of the mediators, called for restraint and urged all parties to work towards a lasting agreement.
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