Israel launched its most intense bombardments since the beginning of the ceasefire in Gaza on January 19, with the latest reports indicating at least 330 dead overnight.

“The Ministry of Health has recorded more than 330 deaths, the majority of them women and children, and hundreds of injuries, dozens of which are in critical condition,” stated Mohammed Zakout, director of Gaza’s Ministry of Health, to AFP.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes will continue as long as necessary and will expand, with Reuters reporting that this statement leaves open the possibility of resuming ground operations by Israeli forces.

Hamas Accuses Israel of “Sacrificing the Hostages”

Hamas, through a senior official speaking to AFP, accused Israel of choosing to sacrifice the hostages by resuming bombardments.

“Netanyahu’s decision is a death sentence for the hostages,” a Hamas spokesman stated, claiming that the Israeli Prime Minister is using the bombings as a “lifeline” to escape internal political turmoil.

Hamas also accused Israel of unilaterally ending the truce and called on mediators – Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. – to intervene and ensure that Israel is held accountable.

Hamas Interior Minister Killed

At the same time, Hamas confirmed the death of General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the Interior Minister of the Palestinian militant group’s government in Gaza.

As the head of both the police and internal security services, General Abu Watfa was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City, according to two AFP sources, one of whom worked at the now headless ministry.

Netanyahu’s Decision and U.S. Briefing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to take “decisive action” against Hamas in Gaza, according to a statement released in the early morning hours by Netanyahu’s office.

The decision followed “Hamas’s repeated refusal to release our hostages” and its “rejection of all proposals received from U.S. presidential envoy Steve Whitkoff and other mediators,” the statement added.

With the approval of Israel’s political leadership, Israeli armed forces are conducting extensive strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force and Shin Bet internal security agency stated via Telegram.

“Israel will henceforth act decisively against Hamas with increased military force,” Netanyahu’s office announced, clarifying that the operational plan was presented to and approved by the government over the weekend.

A U.S. presidential spokesperson told Fox News that Israel consulted with President Donald Trump’s administration before carrying out today’s bombardments.