Israel Intensifies Military Strikes on Gaza, Accuses Hamas of Violating Ceasefire

Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel’s military launched extensive strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza early Tuesday, escalating tensions in the region and further straining an increasingly fragile ceasefire agreement between the two sides. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation aims to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, both living and deceased. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of failing to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire deal, which included the return of hostages.

“From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. The strikes targeted Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The military action comes amid accusations from both sides of violating the terms of the ceasefire, which was brokered in January with the involvement of international mediators.

Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal reported that dozens of people had been killed or wounded in the strikes, with more than 35 attacks on residential areas. Basal warned that emergency crews were struggling to respond due to limited resources and the dangerous conditions on the ground. “We call on the world to stop this aggression,” he said.

The latest military action follows a series of Israeli strikes over the weekend that, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, killed at least 14 people in 24 hours. The IDF said it had targeted Hamas operatives who were operating drones posing a threat to Israeli troops and collecting equipment for further operations. These incidents have further eroded the already precarious ceasefire.

The ceasefire deal, announced by the Biden administration in January, initially led to the release of some hostages held by Hamas following the group’s October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel. However, the agreement’s second phase, which was intended to facilitate the release of male hostages and initiate talks for a long-term resolution, has stalled. Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of rejecting all proposals presented by U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators.

International efforts to revive the ceasefire have faced significant challenges. Said by Witkoff “State of the Union” on Sunday, dismissed a recent proposal from Hamas as a “nonstarter.” He emphasized the U.S. preference for a “bridge” proposal that would involve the release of five living hostages in exchange for a substantial number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. “I’m not going to go into the specific details of what made it unacceptable, but it was totally unacceptable,” Witkoff said.

The escalating violence has drawn concern from the international community, with calls for both sides to de-escalate and return to negotiations. The U.S. White House confirmed that it had been consulted by Israel about the strikes, underscoring the close coordination between the two allies. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Fox News that the Trump administration and the White House were aware of Israel’s plans.

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the prospects for a lasting peace appear increasingly uncertain. The latest strikes highlight the deep mistrust between Israel and Hamas, as well as the challenges faced by mediators in brokering a sustainable agreement. With both sides digging in their heels, the risk of further escalation looms large, raising fears of a renewed full-scale conflict in the region.

The international community continues to urge restraint and dialogue, but the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. For now, the people of Gaza and southern Israel are left to bear the brunt of the violence, as hopes for a lasting resolution grow dimmer by the day.