Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a chilling warning that huge overnight strikes on Gaza were “only the beginning”.
Israeli strikes killed more than 400 people were the largest since a truce came into force on January 19. The Prime Minister warned that any future peace talks with Hamas “will take place only under fire”.
In a video statement on Tuesday night, he said: “Hamas has already felt the strength of our arm in the past 24 hours. And I want to promise you – and them – this is only the beginning.”
The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel’s actions.
Over six weeks, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of the ceasefire, but the sides have since been unable to agree on a way forward.
Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages.
Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining captives in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. It has said it will not end the war until Hamas’s governing and military capabilities are destroyed.
The news of the strikes comes after Israel cut off food, medicine, fuel, electricity and other supplies to Gaza two weeks ago to try to pressure Hamas to accept a new hostage release proposal. The UK Government has said that Israel blocking aid presents a “clear risk” of breaching international humanitarian law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy was asked by Labour MP Rupa Huq what the consequences would be for the “provocative action” of blocking aid during the holy month of Ramadan.
He answered: “Well, my honourable friend is right. This is a breach of international law.
“Israel, quite rightly, must defend its own security, but we find the lack of aid – and it has now been 15 days since aid got into Gaza – unacceptable, hugely alarming and very worrying.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman was asked if Mr Lammy’s statement represented the Government’s position.
He said: “Our position remains that Israel’s actions in Gaza are at clear risk of breaching international humanitarian law.
“And we continue to call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations when it comes to humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza.”