We're back in hell

ISRAEL sparked outrage yesterday by unleashing airstrikes on Gaza that killed at least 413 people, shattering hopes of a lasting ceasefire.

- CHRIS HUGHES

Health chiefs said around 263 women and children were among the dead as terrible images of blood-soaked corpses emerged. The death toll is expected to rise.

The strikes across Gaza left at least 600 people injured but Israel warned it was resuming attacks until Hamas releases all hostages.

It was described as the deadliest day in the region since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, and brings the death toll since then to 61,700.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu came under criticism from all sides over the attack, which came just over a fortnight after the ceasefire ended.

His own people, including former hostages, warned the new violence could lead to the death of the 59 remaining detainees in Gaza.

But Defence Minister Israel Katz said: "The gates of hell will open in Gaza if hostages aren't released." And Netanyahu warned: "This is just the beginning. Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength." Scenes of carnage emerged in the southern city of Khan Younis, where one local told how devastated relatives were turning up at hospitals holding their children's remains.