Israeli Strikes Kill Over 400 People in Gaza, Shatter Truce With Hamas

Israeli PM ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire pact

- Associated Press

GAZA STRIP: Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, according to hospital officials. The surprise bombardment shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.

Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel's actions.

The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate eastern Gaza, including much of the northern town of Beit Hanoun and other communities further south, and head towards the centre of the territory, indicating that Israel could soon launch renewed ground operations. "Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said.