Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a tent camp housing displaced people, in Al-Mawasi area, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
Renewed Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Threaten Collapse of Ceasefire
Intensified Israeli Military Action
Israel launched a major airstrike campaign on Gaza, killing at least 200 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. The strikes mark a significant escalation, threatening the collapse of the two-month ceasefire that had been in place.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to take “strong action” in response to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and rejection of ceasefire proposals.
- The Israeli military confirmed it targeted dozens of locations and stated that operations would continue for as long as necessary, potentially expanding to a ground offensive.
Hamas’ Response and Regional Tensions
Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, leaving the fate of 59 hostages still held in Gaza uncertain.
- Among those killed in the strikes was Mohammad Al-Jmasi, a senior Hamas official, along with members of his family.
- Palestinian health authorities reported that 16 members of a single family in Rafah were also killed.
The renewed fighting occurs amid broader regional tensions, with conflicts spilling over into Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.
U.S. Involvement and Iran’s Role
- U.S. President Donald Trump warned that his administration would hold Iran accountable for any further attacks on international shipping by Houthi forces in Yemen.
- The U.S. military has expanded strikes in Yemen, marking its largest regional military operation since Trump’s return to the White House.
The White House confirmed that Israel consulted with the U.S. administration before launching the strikes.
- White House spokesperson Brian Hughes defended Israel’s actions, stating:
- “Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.”
Ceasefire Breakdown and Failed Negotiations
The latest escalation follows weeks of failed efforts to extend the January 19 ceasefire agreement, which previously led to the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Israel had been negotiating for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for a longer-term truce that would have lasted through Ramadan and Passover.
- However, Hamas insisted that discussions should move toward a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Humanitarian Impact and Civilian Casualties
Gaza’s hospitals and emergency services remain overwhelmed after 15 months of conflict.
- Medical facilities have been severely damaged, and hospitals are struggling to treat the influx of wounded civilians.
- Images from hospitals show piles of bodies wrapped in white sheets as families search for missing relatives.
Wider Regional Implications
The Israeli military indicated that operations may extend beyond airstrikes, raising the possibility of ground operations.
- Israeli tanks shelled areas in Rafah, forcing many families to flee and seek shelter further north in Khan Younis.
- Hamas and other Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, continue to engage in hostilities across the region.
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
The war, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, has resulted in heavy casualties:
- Hamas’ attack on Israeli communities killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages into Gaza.
- Israel’s military response has resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials.
- Much of Gaza’s housing and infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed, further complicating humanitarian relief efforts.
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