Israel has launched its most intense airstrikes on Gaza since a ceasefire took effect in January, killing nearly 200 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The strikes, which hit multiple Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and have raised concerns over the fate of remaining Israeli hostages.
Netanyahu Justifies Renewed Strikes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the offensive, stating that it was necessary due to a lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations. His office declared that Israel would now intensify its military actions against Hamas.
“The gates of hell will open in Gaza if the hostages aren’t released,” warned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, emphasizing that Israel would not stop fighting until all hostages were returned and Hamas’ military capabilities were destroyed.
The strikes were reportedly planned in consultation with the White House, which expressed support for Israel’s actions. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes blamed Hamas for the escalation, stating, “The militant group could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.”
Hamas Accuses Israel of Violating Ceasefire
Hamas responded by accusing Israel of unilaterally violating the ceasefire agreement, placing the hostages at risk. The group called on international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, to hold Israel accountable for overturning the agreement.
“The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army, or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza,” said Hamas official Taher Nunu.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The airstrikes struck several densely populated areas, including Khan Younis, where ambulances struggled to transport wounded civilians to overcrowded hospitals. At Nasser Hospital, scenes of devastation unfolded as medics tended to victims, including injured children.
The civil defense agency in Gaza reported difficulties in rescue efforts as multiple sites were hit simultaneously. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups warn that another large-scale ground invasion could be catastrophic given that most displaced Palestinians have returned home since the ceasefire.
Ceasefire Talks Had Stalled
Prior to the renewed fighting, ceasefire negotiations had stalled. The first phase of the agreement saw Hamas release 25 Israeli hostages and return eight bodies in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, disagreements over the second phase of negotiations led to renewed tensions. Hamas demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of remaining hostages, while Israel insisted on continuing military operations until Hamas was completely dismantled.
Internal Pressure on Netanyahu
Netanyahu is facing growing domestic pressure over his handling of the war. Thousands of Israelis have participated in mass demonstrations, urging the government to secure a permanent ceasefire and bring back all remaining hostages. Critics have also accused Netanyahu of attempting to shift blame for the failures of the October 7 attack and the subsequent military response.
Wider Regional Implications
With tensions at an all-time high, Egypt, Qatar, and the US continue mediation efforts to prevent further escalation. However, as both Israel and Hamas harden their positions, fears of a full-scale return to war are mounting.
As the situation unfolds, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with the prospect of renewed fighting threatening to bring further devastation to the already war-torn region.
