Ceasefire Ends as Israel Strikes Gaza Following Hamas' Hostage Deal Refusal

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has officially collapsed, with Israeli fighter jets launching fresh airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials stated the strikes were in response to Hamas rejecting numerous offers to release hostages as part of a deal.

According to Gaza's health ministry, which is operated by Hamas, at least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, lost their lives in the latest wave of airstrikes. However, these figures have not been independently confirmed.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the elimination of key Hamas leaders during the ongoing attacks, including Essam al-Da'alis, who they described as instrumental in overseeing Hamas' operations and its integration of terrorist activities. Al-Da'alis had taken over from Rawhi Mushtaha, who was killed last July.

In addition, the IDF stated they likely eliminated other Hamas officials, including Mahmoud Marzouk Ahmed Abu-Watfa, Bahajat Hassan Mohammed Abu-Sultan, and Ahmed Amar Abdullah Alhata—all pivotal figures in Hamas' internal operations.

President Trump's administration has publicly voiced support for Israel's military actions. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes remarked that Hamas had the option to extend the ceasefire by releasing hostages but instead chose escalation.

Israel appears to be ramping up its offensive, with the IDF and Shin Bet targeting mid-level military commanders and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza. Officials have stated the operation will be widened and continue for as long as necessary. Evacuations have also been ordered for eastern Gaza residents, hinting at potential ground operations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office emphasized that Hamas had rejected all peace offers mediated by Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other international parties. Netanyahu declared that Israel would not relent until Hamas releases all hostages and its governing and military capabilities are dismantled.

On the other side, Hamas accused Israel of treacherous aggression and called on the United Nations and Muslim nations to intervene. They reiterated their stance that Israel must withdraw completely from Gaza and permanently end the war for hostages to be released.

This escalation follows a two-month ceasefire during which dozens of hostages were freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Monday's airstrikes extended to southern Lebanon and Syria, with the IDF targeting individuals allegedly plotting attacks.

As the conflict intensifies, both sides seem locked in an unyielding standoff, with devastating consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.