Gaza ceasefire collapses as Israel resumes airstrikes

Israel's renewed strikes on Gaza have killed more than 400 people, breaking the already fragile ceasefire.

The international community raised their voices in condemnation.

Choi Min-jung has the latest.

The two-month-long ceasefire between Israel and Gaza has been shattered, after Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza.

Early Tuesday, Israeli forces launched strikes that, according to the Gazan Health Ministry, killed over 400 Palestinians, including women and children.

This occurred as the first phase of the ceasefire that started in January ended, but with plans for talks on a second phase to end the war and the release of more hostages, beginning.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the airstrikes, asserting that ceasefire negotiations would continue "only under fire."

"I want to assure Hamas this is only the beginning. We will continue to fight to achieve all the goals of this war—securing the release of all our hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."

Both Israel and Hamas blamed each other for violating the truce, which had mostly remained in place since January.

Netanyahu stated that the strikes were ordered because Hamas had rejected ceasefire extension proposals.

While Hamas did not retaliate directly, it accused Israel of undermining efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire.

Hamas still holds 59 of the approximately 250 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Hamas stated that it saw Israel's attack as Netanyahu's "decision to resume war," and a choice to abandon Israeli captives.

The international community has also widely condemned the renewed violence, with the United Nations expressing deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis.

"We are horrified by last night's Israeli airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, which killed hundreds according to the Ministry of Health in the Strip. This will add tragedy onto the tragedy."

Several countries, including Egypt and France, have also called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.