Escalating tensions lead to renewed airstrikes in Gaza, raising concerns over the consequences for hostages.
Renewed Violence Erupts in Gaza as Netanyahu Declares Full-Scale Combat
Renewed Violence Erupts in Gaza as Netanyahu Declares Full-Scale Combat
Israel's Prime Minister announces the end of a temporary ceasefire amid fresh airstrikes against Hamas.
On Tuesday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that combat in the Gaza Strip has resumed "in full force," indicating a significant change in the situation after a fragile ceasefire began on January 19. In a resolute video statement, Netanyahu cautioned that "negotiations will continue only under fire," signaling a shift towards military engagement rather than diplomatic resolution. His remarks coincided with a wave of airstrikes, reported by the Hamas-run health ministry to have resulted in over 400 fatalities and numerous injuries.
This uptick in violence marks one of the heaviest offensives since the ceasefire took effect, shattering the relative calm that had persisted for several months. Hospitals in Gaza are once again overwhelmed, with medical personnel struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Mohammed Zaquot, the director of Gaza Strip hospitals, noted, "The attacks were so sudden that the number of medical staff available was inadequate for the scale of these large strikes."
Netanyahu explained that Israel had aimed to negotiate the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas but accused the militant group of repeatedly rejecting proposals. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been in disarray since early March, when negotiations for a second phase were expected to commence but were stalled due to disagreements over terms.
The recent military operations were reportedly conducted with prior consultation with US officials, underscoring the international dimensions of the conflict. US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that Hamas had the opportunity to extend the ceasefire by releasing hostages but instead chose violence. In turn, Hamas issued a stark warning that Israel's renewed aggression would lead to dire consequences for the remaining hostages.
Families of the hostages condemned the Israeli government's decision to launch new strikes, asserting that it undermines efforts to secure their loved ones' release. Israeli officials maintain that 59 hostages are still under Hamas control, with 24 believed to be alive. The situation remains precarious as both sides appear entrenched in their positions, raising questions about the future of peace efforts in the volatile region.
This uptick in violence marks one of the heaviest offensives since the ceasefire took effect, shattering the relative calm that had persisted for several months. Hospitals in Gaza are once again overwhelmed, with medical personnel struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Mohammed Zaquot, the director of Gaza Strip hospitals, noted, "The attacks were so sudden that the number of medical staff available was inadequate for the scale of these large strikes."
Netanyahu explained that Israel had aimed to negotiate the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas but accused the militant group of repeatedly rejecting proposals. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been in disarray since early March, when negotiations for a second phase were expected to commence but were stalled due to disagreements over terms.
The recent military operations were reportedly conducted with prior consultation with US officials, underscoring the international dimensions of the conflict. US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that Hamas had the opportunity to extend the ceasefire by releasing hostages but instead chose violence. In turn, Hamas issued a stark warning that Israel's renewed aggression would lead to dire consequences for the remaining hostages.
Families of the hostages condemned the Israeli government's decision to launch new strikes, asserting that it undermines efforts to secure their loved ones' release. Israeli officials maintain that 59 hostages are still under Hamas control, with 24 believed to be alive. The situation remains precarious as both sides appear entrenched in their positions, raising questions about the future of peace efforts in the volatile region.
