The Israeli military has launched a series of air strikes across Gaza, marking the end of weeks of failed negotiations to extend the ceasefire that halted fighting in January. Early on Tuesday, Israel’s military reported hitting dozens of targets in multiple locations across Gaza, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that at least 100 people, many of them children, have died as a result of the strikes.
The air strikes were far more extensive than the routine drone attacks Israel has conducted against small groups of suspected Hamas militants. These new strikes followed weeks of tense negotiations aimed at extending the ceasefire. Palestinian health officials described the situation as catastrophic, with many areas already devastated by months of ongoing conflict. The attacks are expected to continue as Israel vows to target Hamas’ infrastructure and leadership.
Israel’s military stated that it was prepared to extend its military operations beyond air strikes if necessary, promising a more aggressive campaign against Hamas. The air strikes followed the collapse of talks over a longer truce, which had been negotiated by Egypt and Qatar in an attempt to prolong the fragile peace that began in mid-January.
Ceasefire Breakdown and Rising Tensions
The violence erupted after the collapse of a ceasefire agreement, which was initially brokered in January, halting fighting for several weeks. At the heart of the conflict is the issue of hostages, with Hamas holding 59 Israeli hostages. Israel has insisted on their return as a condition for a longer-term truce that would have extended the ceasefire through the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday in April. However, Hamas has pushed for the ceasefire to evolve into permanent peace negotiations and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Despite efforts by mediators from Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas failed to reach an agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release the hostages, including those held since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, which marked the onset of violence after Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli communities near Gaza, killing over 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages.
Hamas, for its part, argued that Israel had violated the terms of the January ceasefire by blocking aid deliveries to Gaza and by not fulfilling its commitment to release Palestinian prisoners. The group has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations, accusing Israel of overturning the agreement.
In a statement, Hamas demanded that mediators hold Israel accountable for breaking the ceasefire, further escalating the already tense situation.
Israeli Strikes and Continued Destruction in Gaza
As the ceasefire fell apart, Israel’s military launched its strikes early on Tuesday, targeting Hamas positions and infrastructure. Palestinian health authorities reported widespread damage, particularly in Gaza City and the surrounding areas. A building in the northern part of Gaza City was hit, as well as several houses in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Strikes also targeted the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.
The scale of the destruction in Gaza is now immense, with much of the region lying in ruins following 15 months of conflict. The violence began in October 2023 when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli towns and villages near the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel has conducted retaliatory air strikes, resulting in the deaths of more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. The conflict has severely damaged the region’s infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire, and with the renewal of air strikes, it seems unlikely that a new ceasefire will be reached anytime soon.
International Reaction and Efforts for Peace
The United States has been actively involved in efforts to mediate a peace agreement. A White House spokesperson confirmed that Israel consulted with the U.S. administration before carrying out the latest strikes. The United States has supported Israel’s stance on securing the return of its hostages and countering Hamas. Washington’s involvement in the negotiations has been significant, especially with U.S. President Donald Trump’s former Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, participating in the mediation process.
However, despite the diplomatic efforts, the continued hostilities have sparked increasing concern among international organizations. The ongoing violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis has worsened as the conflict stretches on.
The United Nations and several human rights organizations have repeatedly called for both sides to respect international law, including the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid. However, the ongoing hostilities make it difficult to address these concerns on the ground.
A Long-Standing Conflict with No Clear Resolution
The situation in Gaza remains volatile and uncertain, with no clear end to the violence in sight. The conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives on both sides, is rooted in deep-seated political, religious, and territorial disputes. While ceasefire agreements and negotiations have come and gone, a lasting resolution has been elusive.
Hamas, the militant Palestinian group that controls Gaza, has repeatedly demanded the end of the Israeli occupation and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. On the other hand, Israel has insisted on the return of its hostages and security guarantees before considering any significant changes to its position.
The latest round of violence has only heightened fears of further escalation, particularly as both sides remain deeply entrenched in their positions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with many people living in makeshift shelters and lacking basic necessities like food, water, and medical care.
As Israel continues its military strikes and Hamas rejects proposals for a longer truce, the international community watches with growing alarm. The failure to extend the ceasefire agreement has left the people of Gaza caught in the middle of a devastating conflict with no clear path to peace.
