Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday night that Israel has intensified its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In a firm video message, he declared that "negotiations will continue only under fire" and emphasized that "this is just the beginning." This statement followed a series of extensive airstrikes by Israeli forces targeting Hamas positions in Gaza.
According to the health ministry in Gaza, which is under Hamas control, the strikes have resulted in over 400 deaths and hundreds of injuries. This recent surge in violence marks the most intense since a ceasefire was established on January 19. The previously stable truce now appears jeopardized, casting doubt on the possibility of a permanent resolution to the conflict.
The airstrikes hit areas including Beit Lahia, Rafah, Nuseirat, and Al-Mawasi, disrupting the relative calm Gazans had experienced since January. Hospitals are once again overwhelmed with casualties. Egypt, a mediator in the peace talks, has condemned the strikes as a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire and a "dangerous escalation," according to Tamim Khallaf, the Foreign Ministry's spokesperson.
Residents, like Hael from Jabalia al-Balad, expressed shock and exhaustion over the renewed conflict, lamenting the ongoing violence. Key Hamas figures, including Major General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, were killed in the attacks.
Netanyahu stated that Israel had attempted to negotiate the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, but claimed that Hamas consistently rejected these efforts. Disagreements between Israel and Hamas have stalled progress on the ceasefire agreement, which was supposed to move into a second phase six weeks ago. The US and Israel proposed changes to extend the first phase, delaying the permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, but Hamas found these changes unacceptable.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to its war objectives: freeing hostages, dismantling Hamas, and ensuring Israel's security. Israeli officials consulted with the Trump administration before the strikes, with US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stating that Hamas could have extended the ceasefire by releasing hostages but chose conflict instead.
Hamas warned that Israel's renewed attacks would endanger the remaining hostages in Gaza and accused Israel of attempting to force a surrender. Dr. Sabrina Das, an obstetrician working in southern Gaza, described the sudden onset of violence and the impact on medical staff, who were overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.
A group representing hostage families criticized the Israeli government for seemingly abandoning the hostages by resuming strikes and protested outside the Israeli parliament. Families of hostages, like Liran Berman, expressed frustration with the government's actions, while acknowledging that Hamas holds the power to release the captives.
Israel reports that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive. The conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 individuals taken captive to Gaza. Israel's military response has led to over 48,500 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry, and has caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.