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Friday, Feb 20, 2026
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Escalation of Violence in Gaza Following Ceasefire Break
Israel resumes airstrikes in Gaza after breaking the ceasefire, resulting in over 300 casualties amid calls for humanitarian intervention.
Brussels – The situation in Gaza deteriorated significantly as Israeli airstrikes resumed in the early hours following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched extensive airstrikes on various locations within the Palestinian enclave, resulting in reported casualties exceeding 300, with many of the victims being women and children, as stated by the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the military operations, termed "Force and Sword," were initiated due to a lack of progress in negotiations aimed at extending the ceasefire, which had provided a temporary respite from conflict.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of failing to release hostages and rejecting proposals put forth by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The breakdown of negotiations was anticipated, as discussions surrounding the second phase of the ceasefire had stalled.
Earlier agreements, made under the administration of former President Donald Trump, had included terms that allowed Israel to resume military operations if necessary.
The current U.S. administration indicated that it was informed in advance of Israel's intent to resume hostilities and approved the operation.
The renewed airstrikes are reportedly broader in scope than previous strikes, which had primarily targeted specific individuals or small groups.
The IDF indicated that the military actions would continue as long as necessary, with an intention to ensure the return of hostages and achieve all military objectives.
Hamas officials characterized Israel's decision to resume extensive attacks as potentially detrimental to the hostages still held by the group, with approximately 60 Israeli nationals believed to be in captivity.
The Families Forum, representing the families of the hostages, denounced the justification for the renewed military action, claiming it was an erroneous assertion regarding the motivations for resuming conflict.
The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, Muhannad Hadi, criticized the escalation of violence, labeling it as "unconscionable" and calling for an immediate reinstatement of the ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has caused nearly 49,000 Palestinian fatalities, prompting the Palestinian National Authority to urge for urgent international intervention.
The European Commission also expressed deep concern over the resumption of hostilities, particularly regarding civilian casualties.
Spokesman Anouar El Anouni emphasized the importance of restoring humanitarian access and called on both parties to exercise restraint in the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched extensive airstrikes on various locations within the Palestinian enclave, resulting in reported casualties exceeding 300, with many of the victims being women and children, as stated by the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the military operations, termed "Force and Sword," were initiated due to a lack of progress in negotiations aimed at extending the ceasefire, which had provided a temporary respite from conflict.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of failing to release hostages and rejecting proposals put forth by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The breakdown of negotiations was anticipated, as discussions surrounding the second phase of the ceasefire had stalled.
Earlier agreements, made under the administration of former President Donald Trump, had included terms that allowed Israel to resume military operations if necessary.
The current U.S. administration indicated that it was informed in advance of Israel's intent to resume hostilities and approved the operation.
The renewed airstrikes are reportedly broader in scope than previous strikes, which had primarily targeted specific individuals or small groups.
The IDF indicated that the military actions would continue as long as necessary, with an intention to ensure the return of hostages and achieve all military objectives.
Hamas officials characterized Israel's decision to resume extensive attacks as potentially detrimental to the hostages still held by the group, with approximately 60 Israeli nationals believed to be in captivity.
The Families Forum, representing the families of the hostages, denounced the justification for the renewed military action, claiming it was an erroneous assertion regarding the motivations for resuming conflict.
The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, Muhannad Hadi, criticized the escalation of violence, labeling it as "unconscionable" and calling for an immediate reinstatement of the ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has caused nearly 49,000 Palestinian fatalities, prompting the Palestinian National Authority to urge for urgent international intervention.
The European Commission also expressed deep concern over the resumption of hostilities, particularly regarding civilian casualties.
Spokesman Anouar El Anouni emphasized the importance of restoring humanitarian access and called on both parties to exercise restraint in the ongoing conflict.
