Israel launches extensive strikes in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria; 200 dead
What's the story
Israel has stepped up its military actions in the Middle East, carrying out massive airstrikes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
The strikes have caused a heavy toll on life, with reports indicating varying casualty figures, including over 200 killed.
The Israeli army confirmed these operations through Telegram, saying it was "conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip."
Details
Israeli airstrikes target Gaza Strip
Israeli airstrikes on central Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria have killed at least 200 people across the regions, according to local authorities, though some reports indicate higher numbers in Gaza alone.
"Sixteen Israeli warplanes are hovering heavily above our heads and the drones also. We're really, really scared," Abu Rizq, a teacher, told Al Jazeera.
Israel stated that the attacks were in response to "Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages."
Military operations
Israel's military response to Hamas's actions
Israel announced school closures in the Gaza Strip in response to the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military said its operations were directed at militants who were planting explosives.
However, Gaza's Hamas-led government said the targeted men were just collecting firewood.
Before these strikes, Israel had blockaded food, medicine, fuel, and other supplies for two weeks demanding changes to their ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Regional impact
Israel's airstrikes extend to Syria and Lebanon
The Israeli military has also carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Syria, killing at least 10 more.
In Syria, strikes hit a residential area in Daraa city, killing three and injuring 19 others, including four children.
The Israeli military said it targeted military command centers as well as sites containing weapons and vehicles of Assad's forces, citing security threats.
Fragile truce
Ceasefire agreement remains fragile amid ongoing strikes
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah since late November, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire allowed for some hostages held by Hamas to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are working on the next phase of the agreement.
Escalation
Israel's military escalation in response to Hamas
Israel stepped up its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, hours after a series of strikes killed dozens of Palestinians.
PM Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military to carry out "strong action" against Hamas for not releasing hostages and rejecting all ceasefire proposals.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency said they were conducting extensive strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.