Israel has resumed its military offensive in Gaza, ending a ceasefire agreement that had been in place since January. The renewed airstrikes, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency described as extensive operations targeting Hamas, have reportedly resulted in at least 200 Palestinian deaths, including children, according to medics cited by Reuters.
Ceasefire Breakdown and Escalation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the decision to resume military action was due to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and rejection of ceasefire proposals. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office declared.
Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes targeted Deir Al-Balah, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah, with the Palestinian civil emergency service confirming at least 35 airstrikes across Gaza. Senior Hamas security official Mahmoud Abu Watfa was reportedly among those killed in the strikes.
Failed Ceasefire Talks
The ceasefire, which began in January, was structured in three phases and initially led to the release of three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, efforts by Arab mediators and the United States to negotiate the second phase, aimed at securing the release of 60 remaining hostages, collapsed. Netanyahu had warned earlier that military action would resume if Hamas did not comply with Israel’s demands.
Humanitarian Toll and International Response
The conflict, which started after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed around 1,200 people and took 250 hostages, has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences. According to Gaza health officials, over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s counteroffensive began, with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than half of the casualties are women and children.
The White House was reportedly consulted before Israel launched Monday’s airstrikes, according to Fox News. Meanwhile, the situation remains volatile as both sides show no signs of backing down, raising concerns over the fate of hostages and civilians caught in the conflict.
