Israel launches deadly series of attacks on Gaza
Israel has launched a wave of deadly attacks against Gaza, a move that appears to have put an end to the fragile ceasefire that came into effect almost two months ago and aimed at ending almost 16 months of war.
Palestinian doctors said that at least a dozen people had been killed with many more wounded, but the death toll may be higher, possibly exceeding 200.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attacks were launched because Hamas was refusing to release more hostages, after freeing 33 in the initial sex-week phase of the ceasefire plan reached in January.
“Last night, we resumed fighting in Gaza due to Hamas’ refusal to release the hostages and its threats to harm [Israeli] soldiers and Israeli communities. If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza, and Hamas’ murderers and rapists will face the IDF with unprecedented force. We will not stop fighting until all the hostages return home and all war objectives are achieved,” Katz said in a statement.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the Trump administration had been consulted by the Israelis about the strikes.
“As President Trump has made it clear – Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose,” Leavitt said.
The series of attacks appeared to end the current ceasefire that took effect on January 19, 2025, pushed through by the outgoing U.S. administration of president Joe Biden and by the incoming administration of President Trump.
Under that ceasefire deal, the two sides agreed to an initial phase of six weeks in which Hamas released 33 of hostages, both living and dead, held since its attack on Israel in October 2023. In return Israel released close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees who had been held in Israeli prisons. That phase ended at the beginning of March, but the second phase – In which talks designed to end the war were due to begin– did not start.
Instead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced earlier this month that Trump’s Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff had proposed a new plan in which Hamas would release around half of the remaining hostage in exchange for an extension of the ceasefire, during which talks would start for a lasting solution to the crisis. Hamas rebuffed the new proposal, and Israel blocked all aid from entering the Gaza Strip in an effort to force Hamas to agree.
What children in poverty could lose from the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Republicans want to change or reduce key social safety net programs that provide healthcare, food benefits and financial assistance for millions of children.
Bessemer recommends changing its laws to accommodate one of the country’s largest proposed data centers
Despite overwhelming public opposition, officials in Bessemer voted to recommend changes to city zoning ordinances to allow the massive development. Its operation could strain the state’s water and power supplies and leave an already imperiled fish species at risk of extinction.
Why is caregiving so hard in America? The answers emerge in a new film
A new documentary on PBS shows what it's like to care for adult family members and recounts the history of caregiving policy in the U.S., revealing why those caring for family are often on their own.
European officials hold talks with Iran in Geneva, seeking a diplomatic solution
It marks the most significant known diplomatic talks between Tehran and Western governments since Israel launched a surprise offensive against Iran one week ago.
Ancient Roman masterpieces emerge from a London demolition pit
Thousands of newly discovered fragments, which once adorned a high-status Roman building, offer an unprecedented glimpse into the artistic sophistication and daily life of ancient Londinium.
The story behind the arrest of 87-year-old veteran John Spitzberg at the Capitol
The video of John Spitzberg's arrest has been shared widely across social platforms, becoming a crystalizing moment for those protesting the Trump administration.