Israel Resumes Military Operations In Gaza After Ceasefire Breakdown.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel has resumed combat operations in Gaza with “full force” following the collapse of the ceasefire with Hamas. Speaking in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu stated that Israel had made significant efforts to extend the truce and facilitate the return of hostages but accused Hamas of rejecting all proposals.
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes overnight, marking the most intense bombardment of Gaza since the ceasefire first took effect in January. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 400 Palestinians have been killed in the latest wave of attacks.
Timeline of the Ceasefire
The ceasefire, initially agreed upon on 15th January, brought a temporary halt to hostilities, allowing for hostage and prisoner exchanges as well as humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza. However, tensions began to rise in early February when Hamas temporarily halted hostage releases, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the agreement.
By early March, negotiations to extend the ceasefire had stalled. Israel proposed a 50-day extension to allow further discussions on a second phase, which would have required its military to withdraw from Gaza. Hamas, however, dismissed this as an attempt to avoid a long-term truce.
On 18th March, Israeli forces launched extensive strikes across Gaza, citing Hamas’s continued presence as a threat. The renewed offensive comes amid growing concerns over humanitarian conditions, with no aid deliveries reaching Gaza this month.
Political Implications
The resumption of hostilities has sparked both domestic and international reactions. Some Israeli media outlets have speculated that the timing of the military action is politically motivated, as Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing allies to continue the war ahead of a crucial national budget deadline. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza have expressed frustration, fearing that continued fighting could endanger their loved ones.
With the ceasefire now in ruins, the future of the conflict remains uncertain. The international community continues to urge both sides to return to negotiations, but for now, the violence in Gaza appears set to escalate.
