Hamas blames U.S. over “war of extermination” as hundreds are reported killed in Israeli airstrikes

Hamas said Tuesday that the United States is complicit and a direct partner of Israel in its renewed military action in Gaza in which it says hundreds of people have been killed.

President Donald Trump‘s administration was consulted by Israel ahead of its attack on Gaza on Monday night, according to the White House press secretary.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House and the U.S. State Department for comment.

Why It Matters

The strikes mark the most significant escalation in Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip since Israel and the militant group Hamas reached a tenuous ceasefire agreement nearly two months ago.

This follows a brief exchange between the U.S. and Hamas, in unprecedented direct negotiations over the release of hostages captured by the militant group during its October 7, 2023 attack. Trump had warned Hamas and the people of Gaza of what they could face if hostages continued to be held.

What To Know

Hamas said in a statement that the acknowledgment by the U.S. administration that it was informed in advance of Israel’s attacks “confirms its direct partnership in the war of extermination against our people.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “the Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight,” speaking to Fox News.

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) strikes come as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled in recent days, despite U.S. mediation efforts. Israel and Hamas have not been able to reach a final agreement on releasing the nearly 60 remaining hostages since the first phase of the ceasefire ended, including American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.

Israel seeks to extend the first phase of the deal, a ‘bridge proposal’ supported by U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas has called for talks toward advancing to the second phase, which would pave the way for a long-term cessation of hostilities.

The Health Ministry in Gaza reported Tuesday that over 400 people were killed in the strikes which started overnight, with more than 500 injured and more believed to be under the rubble.

What People Are Saying

Hamas: “The acknowledgment by the U.S. administration that it was informed in advance of the Zionist aggression confirms its direct partnership in the war of extermination against our people. This admission once again exposes the blatant American complicity and bias in favor of the occupation, debunking its false claims of seeking de-escalation. By providing unlimited political and military support to the occupation, Washington bears full responsibility for the massacres and the killing of women and children in Gaza.”

Israel’s Office of the Prime Minister on X: “The IDF is, at this time, attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip in order to achieve the objectives of the war as they have been determined by the political echelon including the release of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased. Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength. The operational plan was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership.”

U.N. Secretary-General Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq: “The Secretary-General is shocked by the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, in which a meaningful number of civilians have been killed. He strongly appeals for the ceasefire to be respected, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released unconditionally.”

What Happens Next

All-out war decreases prospects for the return of the hostages. Hamas had previously warned more could get killed if Israel resumed war in Gaza. The attacks put greater pressure on Hamas to free hostages to extend a ceasefire, but it is unlikely to get the long-term agreement it wants.