Staff Reports
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has shattered, plunging the Gaza Strip back into intense conflict as Israeli forces launch a series of devastating airstrikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the renewed military campaign by accusing Hamas of rejecting proposals for a second phase of the truce, which aimed to secure the release of remaining hostages and establish a permanent ceasefire. The strikes have resulted in over 400 fatalities, including many civilians, according to Gaza health officials, marking one of the deadliest days since the war began. Netanyahu has vowed that this is “only the beginning” of a broader offensive to dismantle Hamas and ensure Israel’s security.
The breakdown of the ceasefire comes after two months of relative calm during which both sides negotiated prisoner exchanges and hostages’ release. However, disagreements over extending the truce led to escalating tensions. Hamas rejected new terms proposed by Israel and the Trump administration, which included releasing half of the remaining hostages in exchange for prolonging the ceasefire. In response, Israel imposed severe blockades on Gaza, cutting off essential supplies like food and electricity, and ultimately resumed military operations. Netanyahu’s decision reflects his commitment to achieving war goals, including eliminating Hamas and recovering all hostages, but critics argue that these actions risk exacerbating civilian suffering.
As airstrikes rain down on Gaza, Israel has also initiated a new ground invasion targeting Hamas strongholds. The military claims it is focusing on terror infrastructure and mid-level leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Yet, Palestinian health authorities report significant civilian casualties among women, children, and elderly individuals. Netanyahu has defended these strikes as necessary to pressure Hamas into compliance while urging civilians in Gaza to evacuate dangerous areas. The devastation has overwhelmed hospitals in Gaza, sparking international condemnation from nations like Egypt and Qatar, which had mediated the initial ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu’s hardline approach has drawn mixed reactions within Israel. Families of hostages have expressed concern that renewed fighting could worsen conditions for their loved ones still held by Hamas. Opposition lawmakers have accused Netanyahu of prioritizing political interests over humanitarian considerations—a charge he vehemently denies. Meanwhile, far-right coalition members have rallied behind the Prime Minister’s decision to resume combat, viewing it as a decisive move against terrorism. This internal division highlights the complex dynamics shaping Israeli policy amid ongoing violence.
The resumption of hostilities underscores the enduring volatility of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Netanyahu insists that negotiations will only occur “under fire,” critics question whether military escalation will achieve lasting peace or deepen animosity in an already fractured region. For now, both sides remain locked in a deadly cycle of retaliation as international mediators scramble to salvage hopes for diplomacy. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this latest chapter leads to a resolution or further devastation for millions caught in the crossfire.
