JERUSALEM — The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas crumbled early Tuesday as the Israeli military unleashed a barrage of airstrikes across Gaza, marking the most significant escalation in hostilities since the January ceasefire agreement. According to Palestinian health ministry officials, the attacks have resulted in at least 100 deaths, including numerous children.
Israeli warplanes targeted Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, striking what the military described as Hamas leadership compounds and militant infrastructure. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that dozens of sites were hit, vowing to continue the offensive as long as necessary.
The renewed violence follows weeks of failed negotiations between Israeli and Hamas officials, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The ceasefire, brokered on January 19, had initially paused fighting and facilitated a hostage-prisoner exchange, but talks to extend the truce broke down over conflicting demands.
As hostilities resume, concerns mount over the fate of 59 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. During the initial truce phase, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel insisted on securing the release of all captives before considering a long-term ceasefire, while Hamas demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent end to the conflict.
With negotiations stalled, Hamas accused Israel of violating the original ceasefire agreement, placing full blame for the renewed war on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Netanyahu’s office defended the resumption of military operations, stating that Hamas had repeatedly refused to release the remaining hostages. A government statement warned that military operations would intensify until hostages are returned and Hamas’s infrastructure is dismantled.
The decision to launch the strikes followed consultations with the U.S. administration, a White House spokesperson confirmed. The strikes reportedly targeted mid-level Hamas commanders, weapons depots, and key military sites.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, had been involved in last-minute mediation efforts. Following the collapse of talks, Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating, “There will be hell to pay if Hamas does not comply.”
Reports from Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah describe widespread devastation. Apartment buildings, roads, and essential infrastructure have been reduced to rubble, forcing thousands of displaced families to seek shelter in makeshift camps.
Palestinian authorities have condemned the strikes, with Hamas leaders accusing Israel of launching an unprovoked military campaign. “We demand that the international community hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for this breach of the ceasefire,” a Hamas spokesperson declared.
The latest military offensive comes as the Israel-Hamas war enters its 16th month. The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli border communities, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages.
Israel’s military response has been relentless, with more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths reported since the start of the conflict, according to Gazan health authorities. The region’s infrastructure, hospitals, and essential services have been decimated, pushing Gaza into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
International aid organizations warn that food, water, and medical supplies are critically low. Israel has blocked humanitarian convoys from entering the enclave, citing concerns that aid would be diverted to Hamas operatives.
The escalation places intense pressure on diplomatic mediators from Egypt and Qatar, who have been working to restore a negotiated truce. However, with both sides entrenched in their demands, a swift resolution appears unlikely.
The United Nations and European Union have called for an immediate de-escalation, warning that prolonged fighting could ignite a wider regional conflict. The U.S. remains publicly supportive of Israel’s security measures, though growing international outcry could complicate future military operations.
As Ramadan and Passover approach in April, the urgency for renewed peace talks increases. However, with Gaza under siege and Israel escalating its offensive, the path to a diplomatic breakthrough remains uncertain. For now, the war continues, with Gaza once again enduring the brunt of relentless airstrikes and a humanitarian disaster deepening by the day.
