The Gaza Health Ministry has reported the deaths of more than 300 Palestinians in a series of airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force on the night of March 18, 2025. The ministry said the attack was one of the deadliest in recent months, hitting densely populated areas of the enclave. Israeli aircraft targeted the southern Gaza Strip's largest cities, Khan Younis and Rafah, as well as the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central area. Medical services reported hundreds of wounded, many in critical condition, straining hospitals already under severe strain. 

The operation came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused the Palestinian group Hamas of disrupting ceasefire talks and refusing to release Israeli hostages held since October 2023. The IDF said the strikes targeted Hamas military targets, including weapons depots and command posts, but many of the casualties were civilians, prompting international criticism. In Khan Yunis, one of the bombs hit a refugee camp, starting a fire that killed dozens, according to local authorities. 

The escalation follows months of intense diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. The US, Egypt and Qatar brokered talks in Doha in early March, but the parties failed to reach an agreement. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the blockade, while Israel demands the elimination of the group's military capabilities. According to Reuters, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the eve of the operation that he intended to "act with maximum force" to force Hamas to comply with Tel Aviv's conditions. 

According to the UN, more than 2023 people have died in the enclave since the conflict began in 45, and more than 1,5 million residents have become refugees. Egypt and Jordan have condemned Israel's actions, accusing Tel Aviv of violating international law. At the same time, the United States, Israel's main ally, called for restraint but did not publicly condemn the operation, which caused discontent in Arab countries. 

According to Al Jazeera, the strikes also hit hospitals, including Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where several patients were killed. Medics say overcrowding and a shortage of medicines are making it nearly impossible to save the injured.