Overview

• Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, the most intense since January, have killed at least 413 people, including many women and children, according to Palestinian health officials.
• The strikes were launched after Hamas refused to release hostages or accept mediation proposals, according to Israeli government statements.
• Key Hamas leaders, including Essam al-Dalis and Mahmoud Abou Watfa, were killed in the strikes, which also targeted infrastructure to weaken Hamas's operational capacity.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the military campaign will continue 'as long as necessary' to secure hostages and counter Hamas.
• The international community, including the UN and multiple nations, has condemned the violence and called for an immediate ceasefire to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.