Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza, effectively nullifying the ceasefire agreement, following a series of deadly airstrikes that killed dozens of Palestinians. The renewed hostilities have deepened uncertainty about the fate of remaining hostages held in Gaza.
Israel Targets Hamas Officials, Civilians Killed
According to reports, senior Hamas security official Mahmoud Abu Watfa was among those killed in Israeli airstrikes. Local medics reported that at least 100 Palestinians, including several children, lost their lives, while many others were injured in the attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency confirmed they were carrying out extensive strikes on Hamas-linked targets in Gaza.
Netanyahu Declares Military Escalation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially abandoned the ceasefire agreement, citing Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and its rejection of ceasefire proposals. “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” his office declared in a statement.
Witnesses reported that multiple locations across Gaza were targeted, including residential areas in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The Palestinian civil emergency service recorded at least 35 airstrikes across the region.
Breakdown of Ceasefire Talks
The ceasefire, initiated in January, was originally structured as a three-phase agreement. The first phase saw Hamas releasing about three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations for the second phase—aimed at securing the release of 60 remaining hostages and de-escalating the conflict—have failed.
Despite mediation efforts by Arab states with U.S. support, Israel and Hamas have been unable to reach a new agreement. Tensions escalated further after Israel halted aid and food deliveries into Gaza earlier this month, pressuring Hamas to comply with its demands.
Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis Deepen
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population. While the Gaza Health Ministry does not differentiate between militants and civilians, it states that more than half of the casualties are women and children.
The ceasefire had provided temporary relief, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their devastated homes. With hostilities resuming, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is expected to worsen, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.
