WASHINGTON POST (citing Israeli officials):  The bombing of Gaza is being used as a pressure tool to force Hamas to ease its demands in negotiations.

PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD: With great pride and honor, the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine announces to our great Palestinian people and to the Arab and Islamic nations the martyrdom of leader Naji Abu Saif “Abu Hamza”, the spokesperson for Saraya Al-Quds—the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine—who was assassinated by the criminal army in a treacherous attack that also targeted his family and the family of his brother.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE:

Two months after the ceasefire agreement in Gaza on January 17, 2025, the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas announced the death of several governmental leaders in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s resumption of military operations on March 18, 2025.

The officials killed include: Issam al-Daalis, head of the Government Follow-up Committee; Ahmed al-Hatta, deputy minister of justice in Gaza; Major General Mahmoud Abu Wafteh, deputy minister of the interior; and Major General Bahjat Abu Sultan, director of the Internal Security Service.

Key Figures Killed in Israeli Assassinations Following Resumption of Assault on Gaza

FORMER ISRAELI WAR CABINET MEMBER GADI EISENKOT: Gadi Eisenkot, a former member of Israel’s War Cabinet, stated that the return of the “Jewish Power” party led by Itamar Ben Gvir to the government represents a sacrifice of living hostages. Israeli Channel 12 quoted Eisenkot criticizing Ben Gvir’s performance, emphasizing that he “clearly failed as National Security Minister.”

EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT: The European Council President expressed shock and sadness over the news from Gaza. He called for an end to violence in Gaza, respect for the ceasefire terms, and the release of hostages and detainees.

HEZBOLLAH STATEMENT:

Hezbollah strongly condemned the Zionist enemy’s resumption of the genocide war against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The group affirmed its full and steadfast support for the brave Palestinian resistance and the honorable people of Gaza.

Hezbollah stated that the Zionist enemy, which failed to break the resistance over 15 months, will not achieve its goals with its new aggression.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE:

The UN human rights chief and the UN refugee agency both condemned Israel’s renewed airstrikes on Gaza, calling them a clear breach of ceasefire agreements and urging an immediate end to the violence.

‘Hell on Earth’ – UN Rights Chief, UNRWA Condemn Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza

Several world leaders and UN officials condemned on Tuesday Israel’s renewal of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip which has resulted in the killing of over 400 Palestinians by midday.

‘Blatant Violation’ – Egypt

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s latest airstrikes as “a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” adding that it “represents a dangerous escalation that threatens to have severe consequences for the stability of the region.”

‘Barbaric Bombing’ – Jordan

Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan reportedly called on the international community to halt Israeli “barbarism” in the Gaza Strip, describing its actions against the Palestinians as a “war on humanity.”

‘Threatens Regional Stability’ – Turkiye

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said, “The massacre of hundreds of Palestinians in Israel’s attacks on Gaza this morning (18 March) demonstrates that the Netanyahu government’s genocide policy has entered a new phase.”

Leaders ‘Doing Nothing’ – Francesca Albanese

“As the world wakes up to the harrowing images of children slain by Israeli bombs across the entire Gaza Strip AGAIN, we cannot bear witness to global leaders JUST. DOING. NOTHING,” UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese said on X.

‘Israel Defies Humanity’ – World Reaction to Renewed Genocidal Assault on Gaza

ANADOLU: The UNRWA condemned Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which killed over 400 people, including children, despite a ceasefire agreement. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said, “Awful scenes of civilians killed, among them children, following waves of heavy bombardment from Israeli Forces overnight.” He called for a return to the ceasefire, warning that renewed violence would only increase suffering.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA:

Naji Abu Saif, the military spokesman for the Al-Quds Brigades (the military wing of Islamic Jihad), known as “Abu Hamza,” was martyred during the Israeli aggression on Gaza at dawn today.

The Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades also mourned Muhammad Mahmoud al-Batran, commander of the artillery unit and member of the military council of the Central Brigade, who was martyred in an Israeli airstrike.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara objected to former minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s return to the government coalition.

FORMER HEAD OF ISRAELI MILITARY INTELLIGENCE: A former Israeli general stated that if the attack on Gaza ends within hours, it would make sense to return the captives.

QATARI FOREIGN MINISTRY: Qatar condemned Israel’s resumption of aggression on Gaza, calling it a blatant challenge to the international will for peace. The statement warned that Israel’s escalating policies risk igniting the region and undermining its security.

SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTRY: The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of an immediate halt to Israeli killing, violence, and destruction, and the protection of Palestinian civilians from the unjust Israeli war machine. It stressed the need for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in ending the harsh suffering of the Palestinian people.

HAMAS OFFICIAL SAMI ABU ZUHRI (to Shehab News Agency):

The goals of the Israeli massacres in Gaza are to sabotage the ceasefire agreement and impose a surrender agreement written with Gaza’s blood.

He asserted that Netanyahu’s goals will fail and that his aggression represents a death sentence for Zionist captives.

JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY :The Jordanian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s resumption of aggression on Gaza and stressed the need for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement in all its stages. It called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities and compel Israel to immediately halt its aggression on Gaza.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will return to the government today. Ben-Gvir’s party, “Jewish Power,” had resigned from the government following the approval of the prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

EURO-MED MONITOR: The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor stated that international silence has given Israel an absolute mandate to escalate genocide in Gaza. It described international inaction as not just a shameful failure but an actual mandate for Israel to escalate the crime of genocide through the resumption of large-scale killing of Palestinians.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE:

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the closure of the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Tuesday, preventing any medical evacuations of injured Palestinians for treatment abroad.

The closure follows the resumption of Israel’s genocidal war on the enclave following a fragile two-month ceasefire.

Israel Shuts Rafah Border Crossing as Genocidal Assault Continues

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: Since dawn on Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of 412 Palestinians and injured over 500. Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, Director-General of Gaza’s Health Ministry, condemned the occupation for launching ruthless attacks while civilians slept. With medical supplies running out, he urgently calls for blood donations to save lives. The horror in Gaza continues.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE:

Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the Director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, described the ongoing health situation as catastrophic, attributing the crisis to the relentless Israeli bombardment.

Al-Jazeera quoted him as stating that every minute, a wounded person dies because of the severe shortage of medical resources.

He warned that the death toll in Gaza could double in the coming hours as hospitals are unable to accommodate the increasing number of casualties. The healthcare system, he added, is on the brink of complete collapse.

Al-Shifa Director: One Wounded Dies Every Minute, Death Toll Expected to Double

UN SPOKESPERSON FARHAN HAQ: UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed shock over the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and called for respecting the ceasefire and resuming humanitarian aid.

HAMAS STATEMENT:

Hamas stated that the US administration’s admission of prior knowledge of the Zionist aggression confirms its direct partnership in the genocide.

Washington, with its unlimited support for the occupation, bears full responsibility for the massacres and the killing of women and children in Gaza.

The international community must act urgently to hold the occupation and its supporters accountable for these crimes against humanity.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE:

The Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas has called upon the people of Arab and Islamic nations, as well as all free people worldwide, to take to the streets in opposition to the resumption of Israel’s war of extermination against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

This came in a statement issued by the movement early Tuesday morning after Israel resumed its large-scale aggression on the Gaza Strip with a series of airstrikes that killed more than 300 people, the majority of whom were women and children.

Hamas Calls for Global Uprising against Israel’s Renewed Genocide on Gaza

lll

GAZA CIVIL DEFENSE: The ongoing Israeli massacre since dawn on Tuesday has claimed the lives of over 130 children and many women, according to Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal. He added that the number of critical injuries in hospitals is very high, and rescue teams are unable to reach all targeted areas.

The ongoing Israeli massacre since dawn on Tuesday has claimed the lives of over 130 children and many women, according to Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal. He highlighted the high number of critical injuries in hospitals, with rescue teams unable to reach all targeted… pic.twitter.com/VwKfXwDylI

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) March 18, 2025

lll

UNRWA: UNRWA’s Commissioner-General condemned the horrific scenes of civilians, including children, killed in Gaza due to relentless Israeli bombing. He stressed that escalating violence will only lead to more despair and suffering, urging an immediate return to the ceasefire.

UNRWA’s Commissioner-General condemned the horrific scenes of civilians, including children, killed in Gaza due to relentless Israeli bombing. He stressed that escalating violence will only lead to more despair and suffering, urging an immediate return to the ceasefire. #Gaza… pic.twitter.com/n1djdjBDDb

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) March 18, 2025

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY: The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Israel’s attacks on Gaza show it has entered a new phase of genocide. It called Israel’s return to violence unacceptable and urged the international community to confront this approach.

HAMAS: Hamas mourned a group of government leaders killed in the renewed Israeli war on Gaza, including Issam Al-Dalies, head of government operations in Gaza, and Ahmad Al-Hattah, Deputy Minister of Justice. It also announced the deaths of Mahmoud Abu Watfa, Deputy Interior Minister, and Bahjat Abu Sultan, Director-General of Internal Security.

Hamas has mourned the loss of several government leaders killed in the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, including Issam Al-Dalies, head of government operations, Ahmad Al-Hattah, Deputy Minister of Justice, Mahmoud Abu Watfa, Deputy Interior Minister, and Bahjat Abu Sultan,… pic.twitter.com/MBlpTIdPI7

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) March 18, 2025

KREMLIN: The Kremlin expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza, particularly reports of civilian casualties. It stated that the escalation in Gaza and the civilian casualties are deeply troubling.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The families of Israeli captives stated that they are heading to Jerusalem and called for others to join them after the government’s decision to sacrifice the captives. They warned that military pressure would lead to the killing of living captives and the disappearance of the dead.

SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER: The Spanish Foreign Minister expressed regret and rejection of the new wave of violence targeting civilians. He emphasized that the path to peace lies in a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

412 Dead, Over 500 Injured: Gaza Under Siege as Brutal Israeli Airstrikes Continue

Since dawn on Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of 412 Palestinians and injured over 500. Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, Director-General of Gaza’s Health Ministry, condemned the… pic.twitter.com/d6NnxCb2GD

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) March 18, 2025

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Channel 12 reported significant progress in negotiations with resigned minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to bring him back into the government this week.

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY: The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza and hoped that the parties could continue implementing the ceasefire.

Gaza’s Health Ministry urgently calls for blood donations, urging those who can to head to operational hospitals. No healthcare system, no matter how robust, can handle this number of casualties. #Gaza #HumanitarianCrisis #BloodDonation pic.twitter.com/HoiI9OoWYb

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) March 18, 2025

AL-JAZEERA: The Swiss Foreign Ministry called for an immediate return to the ceasefire, the release of all hostages, unimpeded aid access, and the protection of civilians.

AL-JAZEERA: The Australian Prime Minister called for maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza, citing the immense suffering in the territory.

AL-JAZEERA: Belgium’s Foreign Minister condemned Israeli airstrikes and the resulting heavy losses, warning that they threaten the agreement between Israel and Hamas.

ISRAELI MEDIA:

Israeli public radio reported that shelters were opened in several towns south of Tel Aviv.

Channel 12 stated that major cities, including Yavne, Rishon LeZion, Ramat Gan, Herzliya, and Rehovot, also opened shelters.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA:

The director of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza told Al Jazeera that many injured are undergoing amputations.

Meanwhile, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis issued an urgent call for blood donations as Israeli attacks continue.

A father mourns his young daughter, killed in an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis last night as Netanyahu escalates the genocide. pic.twitter.com/e6bG6XUmc1

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) March 18, 2025

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Army Radio reported that the Israeli Navy struck targets along Gaza’s shores.

ISRAELI MEDIA:

Israeli media quoted a security source saying the government will negotiate under fire to secure the release of captives.

According to Israel Hayom, the source stated, “We are entering a new phase to reach another prisoner exchange deal.”

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Army Radio quoted the father of captive soldier Omer Notra, who said that the renewed war serves the government and that captives could become its victims.

AP: The Associated Press quoted a UNICEF spokesperson in Gaza, stating that Israeli airstrikes hit tents and shelters housing displaced families.