Netanyahu calls strikes that shattered ceasefire and killed 404 ‘only the beginning’

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Tuesday's renewed bombardment of Gaza was "only the beginning" after the fragile ceasefire was shattered and more than 400 Palestinians killed, according to local health officials.

All future ceasefire negotiations will take place "under fire", Mr Netanyahu said as he vowed to force Hamas to release all remaining hostages.

White House officials confirmed that Donald Trump “gave the green light” for Israel’s pre-dawn attack.The US president gave Israel the go-ahead after Hamas failed to hand over hostages, an Israeli official told the Wall Street Journal.

The families of those still held in Gaza expressed concern for their loved ones as a senior Hamas official described Israel's airstrikes as a "death sentence" for the remaining hostages.

Gaza's health ministry said at least 263 of those confirmed dead were women or children. A Unicef worker recalled seeing the bodies of “several dozen” children after the strikes. Several high-ranking officials, including the head of Hamas's civil administration Issam al-Daalis, are also among the dead, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza.

France joined several countries including Norway, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia in condemning the strikes.

Key Points

Israeli strikes across Gaza ‘only the beginning’, says Netanyahu

Death toll rises to 404 including many women and children, Gaza health authorities say

Fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza ‘only the beginning’, warns Benjamin Netanyahu

Donald Trump ‘gave the green light’ for renewed Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Several dozen children among the dead, says UNICEF worker

Far-right Ben-Gvir rejoins Israeli government after Gaza attacks resume

Families of hostages in Gaza are terrified they won’t return after Israel resumes fighting

05:12 , Namita Singh

When a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began two months ago, Herut Nimrodi knew it would take time before her son was released from captivity in Gaza.

The 20-year-old soldier was meant to be part of the second phase of the deal winding down the war.

But with Israel's surprise bombardment of Gaza, she fears he might not come home at all.

"I really wanted to believe that there is still a chance to reach a second stage without renewing this war. But it feels like my building of hope has collapsed, and I have no idea what to do next," Ms Nimrodi told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

During the ceasefire's first phase, which began in January, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. But since that phase ended early this month, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward.

Israel's renewed airstrikes threaten to end the fragile deal.

Ms Nimrodi's son, Tamir, was abducted from his army base when Hamas stormed into Israel on 7 October 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. She's had no sign of life. He hasn't been declared dead by Israel.

The strikes early on Tuesday killed more than 400 people and shattered a relative calm — along with hopes of ending the war that has killed over 48,000 Palestinians.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the airstrikes because of lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire.

The return to fighting could deepen the painful debate in Israel over the fate of the remaining hostages.

"It's so sad that this is the only solution that they could find," she said, lamenting the government's decision.

Former hostage expresses fears for captives held in Gaza after ceasefire collapses

05:00 , Andy Gregory

The Associated Press reports that former hostages have expressed “horror” at the collapse of the ceasefire and urged the Israeli government to return to the negotiating table.

Israeli-American former hostage Keith Siegel told the news agency that his Hamas captors became violent after the first ceasefire collapsed in November 2023 and fighting resumed.

He said: “Today, a year and four months later, the ceasefire has collapsed again. I think of the 59 hostages still being held in Gaza. How afraid they are, not only of the terrorists’ cruelty and of Israeli attacks, but also of the collapse of the negotiations that will prevent their return home.”

Fresh US strikes target Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen – report

04:50 , Namita Singh

At least 10 US strikes targeted areas in Yemen, including Saada province and Hodeidah, controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, local media reported early on Wednesday.

The US launched a wave of strikes against the Houthis at the weekend, who said last week they were resuming attacks on Red Sea shipping to support Palestinians in Gaza.

Houthi missiles were also launched towards Israel on Tuesday after the Israeli military's pre-dawn bombardment of Gaza.

Houthi forces detected hostile military movements in the Red Sea in preparation for launching a large-scale air attack on the country, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said on Wednesday.

Mr Sarea said, without offering evidence, that Houthis targeted the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman and other warships with missiles and drones, thwarting the US attack.

Released hostages and Israeli demonstrators call on the government to resume negotiations

04:00 , Andy Gregory

Thousands of Israelis packed a Tel Aviv square to protest Netanyahu's intention to fire the country's domestic security chief and to call on the government to resume negotiations for a hostage deal.

The Shin Bet security chief, Ronen Bar, has been a key player in ceasefire talks but was recently replaced by a Netanyahu confidant.

Mr Netanyahu now wants to fire Mr Bar, saying he has lost trust in him. Demonstrators say the dismissal is a power grab by Netanyahu.

Many also said the resumption of fighting in Gaza endangers the hostages still held there. “Today Netanyahu did not open the gates of hell on Hamas. He opened the gates of hell on our loved ones,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son is among the hostages.