Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a resurgence in military actions against Gaza, signaling a new chapter of hostilities. This declaration follows Hamas's rejection of proposals by Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, for extending the pause in hostilities. The Israeli campaign, which has already resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 people and left much of the territory in ruins, is set to continue with renewed intensity. In a televised address on Tuesday night, Netanyahu stated that any further ceasefire negotiations would occur "under fire."
The recent developments come at a critical juncture in Israeli domestic politics. Netanyahu has revealed plans to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet internal security service, amid ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has issued evacuation orders for the northernmost and eastern parts of Gaza, hinting at possible imminent ground attacks. According to Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, a military spokesperson, the strikes were launched after intelligence suggested Hamas was planning new raids to capture or kill Israeli civilians or soldiers.
"Hamas could have chosen a different path. It could have chosen to release all the hostages but instead chose refusal, terror, and war," said Lt Col Nadav Shoshani.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement reached in January involved the exchange of 25 living Israeli hostages and the remains of eight deceased Israelis for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The proposed second phase was to include an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a definitive end to hostilities. However, Hamas has stated that hostage releases were intended only for this second phase, which Israel has not discussed or implemented since the initial agreement.
The Israeli military is pushing for the return of all remaining hostages in exchange for further prisoner releases and a truce lasting between 30 to 60 days, aligning with Witkoff’s proposal. However, tensions remain high as both sides appear unwilling to compromise, leading to continued conflict.
“Hamas has already felt the strength of our hand in the past 24 hours. And I want to promise you – and them – this is only the beginning,” Netanyahu warned.
The wave of airstrikes that shattered the previous lull in fighting also resulted in numerous casualties. Medics reported that five children, their parents, a man, and his three children were among those killed. More than 600 individuals sustained injuries during the attacks. An aid official in Gaza highlighted the dire situation faced by residents.
“There is no resilience. People … are in a very weak state, physically and psychologically,” an aid official in Gaza remarked.
The United States administration was consulted by Israel before executing these latest strikes. The renewed offensive underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the challenges of achieving lasting peace.
“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,” stated Taher al-Nunu, a Hamas official.