Israel consulted with the US before the attack, at least 200 people died in Gaza

A White House spokesman said Israel had consulted with the US before launching a massive attack on the Gaza Strip, while at least 200 people were killed.

Fox News on March 17 quoted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt as saying that President Donald Trump's administration was consulted before Israel launched its raids across Gaza.

"The Trump administration and the White House have been consulted by Israel regarding their attacks in Gaza tonight," Ms. Leavitt said on the evening of March 16.

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Initial reports said at least 15 people had been killed in Gaza, before the figure was updated several times and was now at least 200, according to Al Jazeera.

After accusing Hamas of not agreeing to a ceasefire, Israel announced its assault on Gaza and said its military was prepared to continue its attacks on Hamas commanders and infrastructure in Gaza "for as long as necessary and will expand this campaign beyond the scope of airstrikes".

Ambulances transport victims to a hospital in Khan Younis city in the Gaza Strip on March 18.

Al Jazeera reported that on the morning of March 18, Israeli tanks shelled the eastern area of Abasan town in Khan Younis city (Gaza), coinciding with the time of intense gunfire.

Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government of being responsible for overthrowing the ceasefire agreement, adding that the Israeli attack made the fate of the hostages unpredictable.

Hamas called on negotiators to hold Israel accountable, and called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to support the Palestinians in "breaking the unjust siege imposed on the Gaza Strip." In addition, Hamas called on the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting and adopt a resolution forcing Israel to "stop its aggression."

According to spokesman Leavitt, President Trump has made clear that "Hamas, Houthi, Iran and all those who seek to commit acts of terrorism not only against Israel but also against the United States will see the price that will be paid."

The Times of Israel on March 18 quoted US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes as saying that "Hamas could have released the hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose to refuse and go to war."

Previously, Mr. Trump had publicly warned that Hamas must release all hostages in Gaza or else "open the gates of hell".

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/israel-tham-van-my-truoc-khi-tan-cong-it-nhat-200-nguoi-thiet-mang-o-gaza-185250318100820037.htm