What to know about why Israel launched dozens of attacks across Gaza, raising fears of all-out war

The body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli army airstrike is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The relative calm of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came to an abrupt end on Tuesday when Israel launched dozens of attacks on targets across the Gaza Strip. Palestinian medical officials say more than 400 people have been killed, mostly women and children. Israel says the operation is open-ended and expected to expand, raising fears of the 17-month-old war fully reigniting.

Here’s what to know about how the strikes came about and what might come next.

What happened to the ceasefire?