The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has defended his decision to launch a series of air attacks through the Gaza Strip that, according to Palestinian officials, killed at least 200 people, describing the action as an answer to the negotiations of Alto El Fuego stagnant with Hamas.
The strikes, which began early on Tuesday, marked Israel's most intense assault on the enclave since a truce entered in January. Israeli officials said the military operation was open and expected it to be expanded in the next few days.
Netanyahu's office said the offensive was driven by what he described as Hamas' failure to participate significantly in conversations to extend the fire.
“Israel will perform, from now on, against Hamas with a growing military force,” said his office in a statement.
The White House confirmed that he had been consulted before the operation and expressed his support for Israel's actions.
The renewed bombing destroyed a brief period of relative calm during the Sacred Muslim month of Ramadan and fed the fears of a large -scale resumption of hostilities in the 17 months war, which has already charged tens of thousands of lives and left large parts of gaza in ruins.
In the southern city of Khan Younis, Associated Press's journalists reported devastation scenes, with smoke feathers that rise from bombarded buildings and ambulances that run through the streets. In the Nasser hospital, injured civilians full of corridors and floors. A boy sat with a bandage around his head, while a girl cried like doctors attended to his bloody arm.
The fate of approximately two dozen Israeli hostages that are believed to be in the hands of Hamas has been under renewed scrutiny, with the group accusing Netanyahu to undermine the fire and endanger the captives.
Also read: At least 200 people killed in the last air attacks in Israel in Gaza – Palestine Health Authorities
In a statement, Hamas responsible for Israel “totally responsible for violating and canceling the agreement” and urged the mediators to intervene.
The attacks follow a growing frustration among the Palestinians, many of whom had anticipated a return to war when a second planned phase of Alto El Fuego did not materialize in early February. Instead, Israel followed an alternative proposal and stopped food, fuel and helps the 2 million residents of Gaza in an attempt to press Hamas.
“Nobody wants to fight,” said Nidal Alzaanin, a resident of the city of Gaza, who speaks on the phone to Associated Press. “Everyone still suffers from the previous months,” he added.
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