At least 404 people have been killed and hundreds more injured as Israel resumes air strikes on Gaza, leading to the collapse of the ceasefire agreement. The renewed military offensive has intensified displacement and destruction, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of further operations.
Israeli Air Strikes and Netanyahu’s Response
The latest air strikes targeted areas across Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah in the south. The Israeli military claims to focus on Hamas infrastructure, but reports indicate that civilians, including women and children, were killed by the strikes.
White House Press Secretary stated that Israel had consulted with U.S. President Donald Trump before carrying out the strikes, signaling continued U.S. support. Netanyahu vowed to intensify operations, stating, “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” warning of more strikes ahead.
What Did the Ceasefire Achieve?
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, resulted in the exchange of prisoners. Hamas released around three dozen Israeli hostages, while Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The temporary truce also allowed some displaced Palestinians to return and briefly eased humanitarian conditions.
Why Did the Ceasefire Collapse?
Since the first phase ended two weeks ago, efforts to negotiate a second phase have stalled. Hamas has conditioned the release of the remaining 60 hostages on a complete Israeli withdrawal and an end to the genocide. Israel, however, maintains that military operations will continue until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed.
Netanyahu threatened to resume the attacks and cut off food and aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas. After March 2, Israel fully blocked aid and cut off electricity to Gaza.
The UN called the blockade “weaponized starvation,” a potential war crime. During the ceasefire, Israeli forces also killed Palestinians approaching military positions, further escalating tensions.
Hamas’ Response to the Ceasefire Collapse
Hamas, which governs Gaza, accused Israel of unilaterally ending the ceasefire with its latest attacks.
“Netanyahu and his extremist government have chosen to dismantle the ceasefire agreement, putting prisoners in Gaza at risk,” Hamas said in a statement.
The group urged protests across Arab and Islamic nations, as well as global demonstrations against the assault. While Hamas condemned the strikes, it has not yet indicated whether or how it will retaliate.
Proposals for Gaza’s Future
The Arab League proposed a $53 billion five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza to rebuild without displacing its population. This counters Trump’s earlier suggestion of making Gaza a tourism hub while relocating its residents, a proposal widely condemned as ethnic cleansing.
What’s Next for Gaza?
With air strikes intensifying and displacement increasing, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. The ceasefire’s collapse is expected to undo recent relief efforts, and the possibility of further military operations remains. As negotiations remain at a standstill, the situation remains uncertain.
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