Ceasefire Breaks Down as Israel Resumes Operations After Hostage Release
Hamas Rockets Target Israel’s Ashkelon Amid Rising Gaza Deaths. Palestinian resistance group Hamas launched barrage of rockets toward southern Israel on Sunday, claiming it was in response to ongoing Israeli strikes that have killed civilians in Gaza.
According to the Israeli military, around 10 rockets were fired from Gaza, most of which were intercepted by the country’s missile defense systems. However, a direct hit was reported in the coastal city of Ashkelon, where emergency services treated at least one person for shrapnel injuries. Footage released by Israeli emergency responders showed shattered car windows and debris littering the streets.
Gazan health authorities said at least 39 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the enclave on the same day, as fighting in the region continues to escalate.
Shortly after the rocket fire, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for parts of Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, warning residents to leave the area immediately. The military later confirmed it had targeted and destroyed the launcher used in the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was en route to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, was briefed on the situation mid-flight. A statement from his office said Netanyahu instructed the military to deliver a “vigorous” response and continue operations against Hamas.
Israeli media reported that at least 12 people were lightly wounded in the rocket attacks and were receiving treatment at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon.
The latest flare-up comes amid a fragile ceasefire that began on January 19 after 15 months of war. That agreement included a temporary halt in fighting, the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel resumed ground operations on March 19, citing a breakdown in negotiations. Both sides have since blamed each other for the impasse.
According to Palestinian officials, more than 50,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. The war was triggered by a surprise Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures
