At least 326 people were killed as Israel launched renewed airstrikes on Gaza in the early hours of Tuesday, March 18, Gaza health officials said. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts are underway to retrieve victims still under the rubble. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to take strong action against Hamas following its repeated refusal to release hostages and rejection of proposals from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators.
Gaza’s health ministry confirmed that “326 martyrs have arrived at Gaza Strip hospitals so far, as a result of the multiple attacks and massacres perpetrated by the occupation since dawn today in the Gaza Strip.” The ministry added that the number of victims is still under the rubble and efforts are underway to retrieve them.
Footage of the aftermath was published by local journalist Amr Tabash, who said he was in the al-Mawasi area. The footage showed the devastating effects of the Israeli airstrikes, with tents and buildings burned to the ground. The Israeli government has stated that the airstrikes were in response to Hamas’ repeated refusal to release hostages and its rejection of proposals from the US and other mediators.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with many fearing that the conflict will escalate further. The international community has called for calm and restraint, but so far, a ceasefire has not been reached. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for years, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence.
The US has been attempting to broker a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, but so far, no agreement has been reached. The conflict is complex, with deep-rooted issues and competing claims to land and resources. The international community has called for a two-state solution, but this has yet to be achieved.
In the meantime, the people of Gaza continue to suffer, with many living in poverty and without access to basic necessities like healthcare and education. The conflict has also had a devastating impact on the environment, with pollution and destruction of natural resources.
The Israeli government has stated that it will continue to take strong action against Hamas, but many have criticized the government’s actions, saying that they are disproportionate and will only lead to further violence. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with many fearing for their lives and their future.