On March 18, 2025, Israel launched major airstrikes across Gaza, killing at least 200 Palestinians, including many children, and injuring over 100, according to Palestinian medical sources. The attacks targeted Hamas positions in Gaza City, northern Gaza, Khan Younis, Rafah, and Deir al-Balah.
The Israeli military confirmed the airstrikes, stating they were in response to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages and its rejection of mediation efforts led by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Israel’s Prime Minister’s office stated that the strikes were necessary due to Hamas’s ongoing hostility, despite peace talks.
Hamas condemned the strikes, blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for escalating tensions and violating the ceasefire agreement. They warned that the airstrikes endangered the lives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The airstrikes come as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in limbo. The first phase of a ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt ended on March 1, 2025. Negotiations for the next phase of the deal have not yet succeeded, further escalating tensions in the region.
Earlier, Israel had carried out attacks in southern Lebanon and Syria, which resulted in at least 10 casualties. The recent airstrikes in Gaza have raised concerns about the future of the fragile ceasefire and the ongoing conflict.