Israel-Hamas war: IDF eliminates top Hamas commanders, terror group confirms losses

In a dramatic heightening of the current conflict, Israel attacked Gaza with a new wave of air attacks, which was followed by an acknowledgment of death from a number of senior Hamas officials by Hamas. On Tuesday, March 18, it was stated by Hamas that among the dead were Asim al-Dalis, the chief of its government in Gaza, together with Interior Minister Mahmoud Abu Watfa and Bahjat Abu Sultan, Director-General of Internal Security Services.

Israel's biggest strike since ceasefire

Hamas made an official condemntion of the attack, saying, "These leaders and their families were directly targeted and martyred by Israeli warplanes belonging to the Zionist occupying forces." The new airstrikes are Israel's most extensive military attack since the ceasefire deal was signed in January.

Ceasefire shattered amid growing tensions

The fresh Israeli air attacks broke a tenuous ceasefire that had existed since January. The escalation came after Hamas rejected proposed modifications to the ceasefire terms.

Due to Israel's increased shelling, at least 413 Palestinian non-combatants, including women and children, have been reported killed. Airstrikes, conducted in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday, have caused extensive destruction in the area. Netanyahu's office supported Israel's position with a pronouncement: "We are now launching a more powerful military operation against Hamas."

Hamas blames Israel for breaching ceasefire

Hamas, meanwhile, blamed Israel for violating the ceasefire deal. The organization claimed Netanyahu and his hardline government intentionally reversed the truce, making the destiny of Palestinian detainees uncertain. Hamas also threatened that Israel's moves have put "the fate of hostages at risk."

With tensions hitting an all-time high, the world is keeping a close eye on the developments as fears of full-scale war remain on the rise.