International

Gaza Death Toll Rises to 404 as Israel Resumes Strikes

Published

16 hours ago

Mar 18, 2025.

Dennis

At least 404 Palestinians killed and 562 injured as Israeli strikes hit multiple areas across Gaza.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says many victims remain trapped under rubble; children among the dead.
Hamas accuses Israel of unilaterally ending ceasefire; Netanyahu vows intensified military action.

At least 404 Palestinians have been killed and 562 others wounded after Israel launched a large-scale offensive across the Gaza Strip, effectively ending a fragile ceasefire with Hamas that had lasted two months.

Tuesday’s air and ground strikes targeted multiple locations, including Khan Younis and Rafah in the south, Gaza City in the north, and central areas such as Deir el-Balah. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, many of the victims were children, and more people remain trapped under rubble.

EDITOR’S PICKS

“The number of martyrs has reached 404, with 562 injured brought to hospitals so far,” the ministry reported, adding that rescue efforts continue.

Hamas, which governs Gaza and is designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union, condemned the offensive, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of unilaterally ending the ceasefire established on January 19.

“Netanyahu and his extremist government have overturned the ceasefire agreement, leaving prisoners in Gaza facing an uncertain fate,” Hamas said, urging people in Arab and Islamic countries, along with supporters globally, to protest the renewed assault.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another armed faction, also blamed Israel for derailing ceasefire efforts, accusing it of “deliberately sabotaging all initiatives aimed at peace.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu said he had instructed the Israeli military to intensify its operations against Hamas, citing the group’s failure to release captives and refusal to agree to extend the truce. “From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with growing military force,” his office stated.