A dead person killed during an Israeli army strike is taken into the hospital in Kai Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday March 18, 2025. Photo: VCG

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, saying it was striking dozens of Hamas targets, in its heaviest assault in the territory since a ceasefire took effect in January, according to AP. At least 342 Palestinians have been killed, the Al Jazeera reported.

Regarding the current situation between Israel and Palestine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded on Tuesday that China is highly concerned about the ongoing tensions. China hopes that all parties involved can effectively promote the continuous and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement, avoid taking any actions that could lead to an escalation of the situation, and prevent larger-scale humanitarian disasters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in ongoing talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand, AP reported.

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said, according to AP.

Children are among the at least 100 Palestinians killed and many wounded in the air attacks across the Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera reported.

Global Times