World leaders and UN officials have reacted with horror and dismay at Israel’s recent resumption of airstrikes on Gaza, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds within a matter of hours.

This escalation has raised warnings that it could irreparably damage a ceasefire established earlier in the year.

Jordan, an ally of the United States with a formal peace agreement with Israel, described the strikes as 'aggressive and barbaric'.

Similarly, Egypt, which has played a mediating role in the ceasefire, condemned the bombings as a 'flagrant violation' of the truce established in mid-January.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern regarding the significant suffering faced by Palestinians in Gaza.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, warned that a continuation of hostilities would exacerbate conditions in the region, describing the potential situation as 'hell on Earth'.

Volker Türk, the UN's human rights chief, characterized the airstrikes and shelling, which led to significant loss of life, as horrifying and called for an immediate end to the violence.

Türk emphasized the need for a political solution, stating that previous acts of military force had not resolved the ongoing crisis.

The UN’s humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Muhannad Hadi, referred to the renewed offensive as 'unconscionable'.

He noted the ongoing humanitarian needs in Gaza, compounded by the recent violence.

Israel asserts that its military actions are aimed at Hamas militants, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing ongoing allegations of war crimes at international courts, including accusations regarding the starvation of civilians and potential extermination.

The Israeli government is also contesting claims of genocide.

Prior to the strikes, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy pointed out that Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza constituted a breach of international law and expressed his concerns regarding the lack of aid, which he described as 'unacceptable'.

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer later called reports of civilian casualties 'appalling' and stressed the need for the ceasefire to be reinstated swiftly.

EU Aid Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stated that the escalation in Gaza is devastating for civilians who have already suffered greatly.

The European Commission echoed this sentiment, calling for restraint from Israel and urging Hamas to release hostages while seeking the re-establishment of humanitarian access to the region.

Reports from Egyptian security sources indicated that mediators were caught off guard by the renewed strikes, having believed negotiations were progressing calmly.

They are now engaged in urgent efforts to salvage the ceasefire and resume dialogue.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have both condemned Israel’s military actions, while Turkey denounced the operations as a 'new phase in its policy of genocide' against the Palestinian population.

Statements from France condemned the Israeli airstrikes, highlighting their potential to jeopardize hostage negotiations and affect civilian lives in Gaza.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concerns that the renewed airstrikes could threaten lasting peace in the region, while Germany voiced grave concern over the humanitarian situation, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasizing the tragedy faced by civilians in the conflict.

In a statement detailing the military’s rationale, Israel claimed that its strikes were focused on mid-level Hamas commanders and military infrastructure, confirming that consultations with the United States took place prior to the airstrikes.

A former French ambassador to the US and Israel denounced the actions, asserting that they did not pursue any clear military objective and primarily inflicted suffering on civilians.