Over 200 Palestinians killed as Israel returns to intensified bombing of Gaza

 

Over 200 Palestinians, including children and women, killed as Israel returns to intensified bombing of Gaza. Bodies are being brought to the Al Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis on 18 March 2025 [Abdallah F.s. Alattar/Anadolu Agency]

Over 200 Palestinians have been killed as Israel resumes bombing of Gaza after a nearly two-month pause of intense fire.

Israeli jets launched a wave of attacks across Gaza, targeting multiple areas in the north, centre and south. Reports confirm heavy bombardment of residential homes and makeshift shelters housing displaced Palestinians, Quds News Network reported. The Israeli military stated that the assault aims to achieve the “objectives” set out by the political leadership.

According to health officials, Israeli air strikes have killed 205 Palestinians so far. Many casualties occurred in Khan Yunis where intense strikes targeted shelters for displaced families. The number of injured continues to rise, overwhelming hospitals which were already struggling with medical shortages due to Israel’s ban on humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation’s tanks and artillery targeted southern and eastern Rafah and areas near Khan Yunis. Residents reported explosions and widespread destruction.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the attacks claiming they were necessary after Hamas repeatedly refused to release Israeli captives. Israel has refused to negotiate the terms of the second phase of the ceasefire deal to guarantee the release of captives held in Gaza. instead seeking to force Hamas to release them without Tel Aviv agreeing to stop its genocidal campaign in Gaza, as per the terms of the deal.

“This follows Hamas’s repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength. The operational plan was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership,” it added.

The United States was informed of the attacks in advance, according to Israeli sources. The White House later confirmed this.

This is the latest violation of the ceasefire deal by Israel, with Tel Aviv previously targeting Palestinians with drones, quadcopters and bombing sites with aid workers and journalists. The occupation has also refused to comply with the terms of the deal by allowing shelters, tents and caravans into the enclave.