Israel Drops 153 Tonnes of Bombs on Gaza, Says Netanyahu

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has taken another significant turn after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had dropped 153 tonnes of bombs on the Palestinian enclave. The revelation came during a press briefing in Tel Aviv, as the conflict entered yet another tense phase marked by escalating airstrikes and widespread humanitarian concern.

Netanyahu described the operation as “one of the most powerful responses in recent history,” aimed at destroying what he called terrorist strongholds in Gaza. He claimed the strikes targeted Hamas command posts, weapon depots, and rocket launch sites, insisting that Israel was acting in “self-defence” after repeated cross-border rocket attacks.

The figure — 153 tonnes of bombs — has stirred global attention and debate. Analysts say such a large volume of explosives within a densely populated area like Gaza will inevitably spark questions about civilian safety and international law.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released short videos showing air raids lighting up the night sky, with plumes of smoke rising from hit sites. Reports from Gaza confirmed heavy bombardments stretching across neighbourhoods such as Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City.

Palestinian officials stated that hundreds of homes and several hospitals were damaged or destroyed. Casualty figures remain uncertain, as rescue teams continue to dig through rubble. Humanitarian agencies expressed alarm over the scale of destruction, warning that basic services like electricity, water, and communications are nearing collapse.

Netanyahu defended his government’s strategy, saying Israel would not “apologise for defending its people.” He emphasised that Hamas bears responsibility for the ongoing violence and accused the group of using civilians as shields.

International reaction, however, has been mixed. The United Nations called for immediate restraint and urged both sides to protect civilian lives. The European Union and various human rights groups expressed concern over the proportionality of Israel’s response, calling the airstrikes “excessive.”

In Britain, several lawmakers echoed the UN’s position, urging Israel to adhere to international humanitarian norms. “Every nation's security concerns are valid, but no state should deploy such heavy firepower in civilian zones,” one MP said during a parliamentary discussion.

Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to worsen. Local authorities estimate that thousands of families have been displaced, packing into overcrowded shelters that lack clean water and food. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said hospitals are running dangerously low on fuel and medical supplies.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned of an imminent health disaster if fuel deliveries remain blocked. Without electricity, hospitals are unable to power life-support equipment, and water purification systems have stopped operating in many areas.

Children are among the most affected. UNICEF reported rising numbers of young victims suffering from shock and injuries. Aid workers in the region described scenes of fear and exhaustion, with many children experiencing sleepless nights amid air raid sirens and explosions.

Despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire, diplomacy appears stalled. Egypt and Qatar have reportedly offered to mediate, though neither side has shown clear signs of compromise.

Israel insists that until Hamas stops launching rockets, military operations will continue. On the other hand, Hamas leaders accuse Israel of committing war crimes and vow to resist “by any means necessary.”

The situation shows no sign of de-escalation, and experts fear that if the airstrikes persist, Gaza could face one of the worst humanitarian disasters in decades.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies