Over 400 Killed in Gaza by Israeli Strikes Amid Second-Phase Ceasefire Delays

What Happened?

Many are stating that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was shattered Tuesday following a series of deadly attacks.

Over 400 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed after Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip.

At least 27 people were killed from the extended family of Qraiqa, according to Palestinian medics.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use 'increasing military strength' against Hamas due to a lack of progress in ceasefire talks.

'The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News during an interview.

The Israeli military reportedly warned of renewed ground operations after people were ordered to evacuate eastern Gaza and other communities further south.

According to The Associated Press, a senior Hamas official has warned Israel’s decision to resume the war is a 'death sentence' for the remaining hostages.

Roughly two dozen are believed to be still alive.

Hamas accused Netanyahu of upending the truce agreement and has now exposed remaining Israeli hostages 'to an unknown fate.'

The militant group has yet to launch any retaliatory attacks.

Why it Matters

Israel had introduced what was said to be a new U.S. ceasefire plan that differed from the previous one agreed to in January with Hamas.

As a result, Israel has allegedly tried forcing Hamas into accepting the new plan by imposing a total blockade on the Gaza Strip.

The new plan requested that Hamas release half of its remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce.

Israel reportedly made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners.

Despite the first-phase conclusions, the second-phase arrangements have stalled, causing frustration for both sides.

Netanyahu vowed revenge for a 'cruel and malicious violation' he described by Hamas after the body returned as part of a deal was not that of an Israeli mother of two children.

Hamas rejected Netanyahu’s threats, claiming all the hostages were killed amid Israeli airstrikes and had 'no interest in retaining any bodies.'

The militant group claimed they've remained committed, although Israel Defense Forces (IDF) suggested otherwise.

Now, the surprise attack threatens to reignite the 17-month-old war.

U.N. Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher is reportedly demanding that Israel resume essential deliveries to Gaza’s 2.1 million people.

Fletcher told the Security Council that Israel had blocked aid deliveries of food, fuel, medicine, and other supplies since March 2.

Only medical evacuations and humanitarian staff rotations have been allowed, and 'even that came to a halt today,' he said.

How it Affects You

Families are urging an immediate ceasefire and return to the negotiations to prevent the death of other hostages.

While the Trump administration supported Israel's actions, Hamas alleged that Israel has not come to the negotiation table in recent weeks.

Jordan, Egypt, and Hamas have all rejected the idea of President Donald Trump's 'Riviera of the Middle East' plans despite Netanyahu's backing.

It is unclear how those remaining in the enclave will recover as peace efforts and forward progress made now all but seem erased.