Ceasefire Negotiations Collapse, Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes on Gaza, Causing Heavy Casualties | WPN World People News

On March 18, Israel launched a large-scale airstrike campaign on the Gaza Strip, resulting in more than 400 deaths and over 560 injuries. The collapse of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which had been ongoing for two months, has raised international concerns about the potential for renewed conflict.

According to foreign reports, a White House spokesperson stated that Israel had consulted with the U.S. government before launching the attack on Hamas. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on social media platform X that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to carry out military actions on the evening of the 17th, citing Hamas's refusal to release hostages and accept related mediation proposals. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would intensify military pressure on Hamas, vowing to use force to rescue hostages held in Gaza.

Israeli officials explained that the attack on Gaza in the early hours of the 18th was a preventive, preemptive measure aimed at disrupting Hamas's terrorist activity plans and rearmament. Targets included mid-level Hamas military commanders, leaders, and related infrastructure. The Israeli authorities indicated that the attacks would continue, and if necessary, operations would not be limited to airstrikes.

Sources from Hamas reported that at least five senior officials were killed in the airstrikes. Hamas accused Israel of unilaterally ending the ceasefire agreement, which has further endangered the fate of 59 hostages.

The scale of this attack clearly surpasses Israel's recent drone strikes on smaller militant groups. Palestinian health officials indicated that many of the dead were children, women, and elderly individuals. CNN reported intense airstrike sounds in multiple areas of Gaza, while witnesses told Reuters that Israel used tanks to attack the Rafah area in southern Gaza.

Foreign reports also revealed that Hamas has called on the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to act as mediators and demand a ceasefire from Israel. Additionally, Hamas has urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to demand that Israel halt its aggressive actions.