Through the night, Israeli fighter jets unleashed a fresh wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, shattering the fragile truce that had largely held since January. The renewed offensive has sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns over what lies ahead.
Breakdown of the Ceasefire
The truce, brokered through months of negotiation involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, had established a structured three-phase plan. The first phase led to the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, alongside a conditional allowance of aid into Gaza. However, by March 1, when the second phase was supposed to kick off—including discussions on a full Israeli troop withdrawal and the release of remaining hostages—talks had stalled completely.
Instead of progressing towards peace, Israel imposed a halt on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, sparking widespread international alarm. The United States then introduced a new "bridging proposal" aimed at extending the ceasefire, but it quickly became apparent that both sides were unwilling to make concessions.
Why Did the Fighting Resume?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed full blame on Hamas, stating that their "repeated refusal to release our hostages" and rejection of the U.S.-led proposals left Israel with no choice but to take "strong action." Israeli military sources claim Hamas had begun regrouping its forces, indicating a renewed threat.
Hamas, on the other hand, argued that Israel was failing to uphold the original ceasefire terms. The militant group held onto its key bargaining chip—the remaining hostages—asserting that they would not release any more captives unless Israeli troops withdrew from Gaza. This condition directly clashed with Israel's objectives, which included both rescuing hostages and decisively defeating Hamas.
In late February, Israeli officials had already hinted that their military would not withdraw from key sites in Gaza, despite the ceasefire agreement. As negotiations remained deadlocked, Israel's decision to cut off humanitarian aid was seen as an attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting new terms. When that approach failed, military action became the next step.
The Political Landscape
Beyond the battlefield, domestic politics played a significant role in Netanyahu’s decision. His government was facing heavy criticism from opposition groups and even from within. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the administration of "a complete deception," claiming that a potential deal to bring back all hostages had been recklessly abandoned.
Moreover, Netanyahu's political struggles were mounting. His coalition, which had suffered a setback when the far-right Jewish Power party withdrew in protest over the ceasefire, was suddenly bolstered when the party announced its return following the renewed attacks on Gaza. The move strengthened Netanyahu’s grip on power, allowing him to push forward with his policy agenda, including the passage of the national budget.
Critics argue that the airstrikes may not only be a strategic move against Hamas but also a tactical distraction from Netanyahu’s legal and political woes at home.
What Comes Next?
As the dust settles from last night’s bombardment, the situation remains tense. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for a vast area along Gaza’s perimeter, displacing thousands who had returned during the ceasefire. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Israel is calling up 40,000 reservists, a strong indication that a ground invasion might be in the works.
Hamas has yet to officially declare a return to full-scale fighting but has demanded an immediate halt to Israeli military operations. The group's response remains uncertain, but tensions are at an all-time high.
The critical question now is whether last night’s attack was a singular event meant to push Hamas back to the negotiating table, or if it signals the beginning of another prolonged and bloody conflict. As Gaza’s civilians brace for what’s next, and as Israeli families await news on the fate of the remaining hostages, the road to peace seems more elusive than ever.
Login