Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes on Hamas early Tuesday, escalating military operations after negotiations for further hostage releases failed.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed the military was ordered to strike Hamas targets across Gaza, citing the group’s refusal to release hostages and rejection of mediated proposals from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and other negotiators.
The airstrikes follow nearly two months of ceasefire, during which dozens of hostages were exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes hit several locations, including a school sheltering displaced civilians near the Bureij refugee camp. Hospital officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital confirmed the deaths of a 52-year-old man and his 16-year-old nephew. Another strike in Bureij killed three men, with Israeli military sources claiming they were planting explosives, while Hamas officials said they were collecting firewood.
In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces launched strikes in the town of Yohmor, targeting two Hezbollah operatives. Lebanon’s state news agency reported two fatalities and two injuries. The Israeli military later confirmed additional strikes on Hezbollah positions in unspecified locations.
In Syria, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in Daraa, targeting what they described as military command centers and weapons depots used by Syrian government forces. Local civil defense agencies reported three deaths and 19 injuries, including children, a woman, and first responders. Two ambulances were also damaged.
Israel has maintained a blockade on food, medicine, fuel, and other supplies entering Gaza for the past two weeks, demanding Hamas accept amendments to ceasefire terms. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in November ended 14 months of conflict, but both sides continue to accuse each other of violations.
The Israeli military stated that strikes in all targeted regions aimed to neutralize threats, while local authorities reported civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
