Israeli aircraft launched a series of attacks on the Gaza Strip overnight, disrupting a fragile ceasefire that had largely been in place since January. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the renewed military action to Hamas, citing their refusal to release hostages and their rejection of U.S. proposals as reasons for the escalation. Israeli military sources have noted increased Hamas activity, suggesting the group is regrouping its forces.
Despite the ceasefire, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that over 140 people have died due to Israeli actions since January. The Israeli military claims it has targeted Hamas fighters who pose threats to its forces in Gaza. However, Netanyahu's decision to resume attacks on Hamas has sparked debate. Some critics argue that the strikes are a distraction from his domestic legal and political troubles.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered with U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediation, involved a three-phase plan. The first phase saw Hamas release 33 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and allowing aid into Gaza. As the first phase concluded on March 1, further negotiations stalled, and Israel halted aid to Gaza, causing international concern. A new U.S. proposal aimed to extend the first phase, allowing more hostages to return home in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, but delaying talks on a permanent ceasefire.
The breakdown of the truce stems from conflicting goals: Israel wants to retrieve hostages and defeat Hamas, while Hamas holds onto hostages as leverage, demanding Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza as per the original agreement. Israel resists this, seeking to delay ending the war. The U.S. and Israel have criticized Hamas for adhering strictly to the original ceasefire terms rather than renegotiating.
Recent developments include Israel stopping aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas into concessions, which has not succeeded. Now, Israel has resumed military action, possibly to secure a more favorable deal. The situation in Gaza is expected to change, with the Israeli military advising Palestinians to evacuate areas along the Gaza Strip's perimeter. Hamas has called for an end to Israel's military operations but has not resumed fighting.
Reports indicate that Israel is preparing for a potential ground invasion, with 40,000 reservists called to duty. This renewed campaign could benefit Netanyahu politically, as the hard-right Jewish Power party has rejoined the coalition, crucial for passing the government budget. The recent attacks might be a single attempt to pressure Hamas, or they could signal the start of intensified conflict, worrying families in Gaza and those concerned about Israeli hostages.