In an Israeli brutal attack on Gaza within 8 hours, 404 people were killed and at least 660 others were seriously injured.

In an Israeli brutal attack on Gaza within 8 hours, 404 people were killed and at least 660 others were seriously injured. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza has updated the death toll from the Israeli airstrike. The Ministry announced on their Telegram page that 404 people have been killed so far. On their WhatsApp channel, the number is slightly higher, mentioning 413 deaths.

Hamas' Response

The ruling authority in Gaza, Hamas, has condemned the attack as a unilateral violation of the ceasefire agreement. In a statement, Hamas declared, "Netanyahu and his extremist government have broken the ceasefire and are pushing prisoners towards an uncertain future." The group has called upon the Arab and Muslim world, as well as all justice-seeking people, to take to the streets in protest.

Israel’s Justification

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the military action by stating that Hamas had rejected proposals to extend the ceasefire and release hostages. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, "If the hostages are not freed, the gates of hell will open for Gaza."

Horrific Situation in Gaza

Local residents have described the dire situation in Gaza. Ahmed Abu Rizk, a teacher, told Al Jazeera that they woke up to the sounds of Israeli airstrikes. "Our children are trembling in fear. People are rushing to hospitals carrying the dismembered bodies of their loved ones," he said.

Al Jazeera reports that the airstrikes have primarily targeted residential buildings, schools, and refugee shelters, where thousands of displaced Palestinians had sought refuge.

Ceasefire Talks Suspended

Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire have been put on hold as Israel insists on extending the first phase, which Hamas has refused. So far, Hamas has released three dozen Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Netanyahu's government has opted for renewed military operations instead of resuming diplomatic talks. Al Jazeera analysts suggest that Israel had planned to restart the war long before the ceasefire expired.

Widespread Devastation

Eighteen months of Israeli military operations have left Gaza in ruins. Homes, hospitals, and schools have been reduced to rubble. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the conflict began.

Global Condemnation

Israel’s latest assault has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. Human rights organizations have labeled the attacks as acts of genocide. Gaza’s government media office reported that within five hours, 326 people were killed, most of them women and children. Some families have been completely wiped out.

In a statement, the Gaza media office said, "The Israeli occupation forces understand only the language of killing, destruction, and genocide."

Ongoing Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis

For the third consecutive week, Israel has continued its blockade on Gaza, a strategy described by Gaza’s media office as an attempt to break the spirit of its people. However, it asserted that Gazans remain undeterred and will continue their struggle until the occupation ends.

Call for International Action

The Gaza media office has urged the United Nations, human rights organizations, and humanitarian agencies to take immediate action against Israel’s war crimes and bring its leaders to justice.

"The world cannot remain silent any longer," the statement added.

Health Ministry Report: 326 Killed

The Gaza Health Ministry has confirmed that 326 people have been killed in Israel’s latest attacks, with more bodies still trapped under the rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the death toll is expected to rise further.