Strikes said to target Hamas killed hundreds within hours including women and children, undermining ceasefire

• Middle East crisis – live updates

World governments and UN officials have expressed horror and dismay at Israel’s resumption of strikes on Gaza that killed hundreds within a few hours, warning the assault could shatter a ceasefire that was intended to be permanent.

Jordan, a US ally that has a peace agreement with Israel, called the strikes “aggressive and barbaric”. Egypt, which also has a diplomatic relationship with Israel and helped mediate the truce, called the bombing a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire that took effect in mid-January.