Israel has initiated new airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 400 fatalities, as reported by the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the region. Officials from both sides of the conflict indicate that Israel plans to use “increasing military force” after negotiations for additional hostage releases have stalled.
This renewed military action against Hamas began on Monday, following nearly two months of relative peace in Gaza due to a ceasefire facilitated by the U.S., which both Israel and Hamas failed to extend. In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the military is “currently targeting Hamas terrorist organization sites across the Gaza Strip,” with the objective of fulfilling the war goals set by the political leadership, including the release of all hostages, both living and deceased.
Israel will now increase its military actions against Hamas, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.
The health ministry in Gaza, which has been controlled by Hamas, a group labeled as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Israel for nearly 20 years, reported that at least 404 people had died due to Israel’s recent airstrikes by Tuesday afternoon. Footage from the area showed bodies lined up in hospitals as more victims continued to arrive. Netanyahu’s office indicated that the renewed strikes were a response to Hamas’ ongoing refusal to free hostages and its dismissal of offers made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “If Hamas does not release all the kidnapped, Gaza will face severe consequences, and Hamas’ criminals will encounter the IDF with unprecedented force. We will continue our fight until every hostage is home and all our objectives are met.” Over the weekend, Witkoff cautioned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately or face serious repercussions. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday evening that the Trump administration had been consulted by Israel regarding their operations in Gaza. “Hamas had the opportunity to release hostages to prolong the ceasefire but chose to refuse and escalate the conflict,” said National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes on Monday.
Hostages families, U.N. and Egypt condemn resumption of war
The families of Israeli hostages are expressing strong disapproval of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s choice to restart military operations, calling it “complete deception” and warning that it puts the remaining captives in danger. In response, they quickly organized a protest against this decision.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said, “Our worst fears have come true — the Israeli government has chosen to abandon those who have been taken. We are shocked, angry, and worried that this action will disrupt efforts to bring our loved ones back from Hamas.” They highlighted that restarting military actions before all hostages are released could endanger the lives of the 59 individuals still held in Gaza. They also criticized Netanyahu’s government for not stopping the conflict, which they believe is necessary to move forward with the ceasefire agreement and ensure that all hostages are returned safely. The forum rejected Netanyahu’s claim that renewed fighting would assist in releasing the remaining hostages, labeling it “a complete deception.”
They announced plans for a protest in Jerusalem on Tuesday, urging people in Israel to support them, stating, “This is urgent! Each day that goes by increases the risk for the hostages. Military actions could make it even harder to bring them home safely.”
Volker Turk, the United Nations human rights chief, expressed deep concern about Israeli airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, which reportedly led to many fatalities, according to local health sources. He noted that this situation would “add tragedy onto tragedy.” Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized that the U.N. chief was “shocked” by the high number of civilian casualties from the airstrikes. He urged that the ceasefire should be maintained, humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow freely, and the remaining hostages should be released unconditionally.
Egypt, which helped negotiate the ceasefire along with the United States and Qatar, condemned Israel’s actions as a “clear violation of the ceasefire agreement” and a dangerous escalation that threatens the stability of the region. The Egyptian foreign ministry expressed its strong disapproval of Israeli actions that could rekindle tensions and hinder efforts to calm the situation and restore order. They called on the international community to take immediate steps to stop the Israeli attacks in Gaza and prevent a new cycle of violence.
Hamas says Israel “fully responsible for violating and overturning” ceasefire
Hamas has strongly condemned the recent attacks, accusing Israel of breaking the ceasefire and putting the lives of remaining hostages at risk. In their statement, they expressed that they hold Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government completely responsible for the consequences of what they describe as an unjust attack on Gaza. They also pointed out that innocent civilians and the struggling Palestinian population are suffering through a harsh conflict and facing extreme hardships.
Hamas claimed that Netanyahu and his government have ignored the ceasefire agreement, which threatens the safety of prisoners in Gaza. They urged the United States and its negotiating partners, Egypt and Qatar, to make Netanyahu and Israel accountable for violating the agreement. Furthermore, a spokesperson for Hamas, Abdul Latif al-Qanou, stated that Israel’s partnership with the U.S. before the attacks highlights America’s role in the suffering of their people and in hiding Israel’s actions during the conflict.
What happened during the ceasefire?
The recent strikes took place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, following nearly two months of a ceasefire that temporarily paused a 17-month-long conflict. This ceasefire allowed for the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1; however, significant fighting remained suspended until Monday. Since the conclusion of this initial phase, both parties have faced challenges in negotiating a second phase aimed at securing the release of nearly 60 remaining hostages and ultimately ending the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has issued warnings about a potential resumption of hostilities, while President Trump has made several statements and ultimata directed at Hamas. Some of these statements have contradicted the previously established terms of the ceasefire, adding complexity to the negotiations for the next phase. Mediation efforts involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been ongoing in an attempt to facilitate these discussions.
Earlier this month, Israel implemented a blockade on aid to Gaza, halting the entry of all goods and supplies into the Palestinian territory. Israel has indicated that this blockade is intended to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a proposal from the Trump administration that seeks to extend the ceasefire’s initial phase. This proposal required Hamas to immediately release half of the remaining hostages in Gaza, representing a significant shift from the original terms agreed upon in the deal facilitated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. On Friday, Hamas announced its acceptance of a mediator’s proposal to release one living American-Israeli hostage along with the remains of four dual nationals who had died while in captivity. However, Netanyahu’s office expressed skepticism about this offer, accusing the U.S. and the Israeli-designated terrorist group of attempting to manipulate ongoing discussions in Qatar regarding the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
On Friday, Hamas spokesperson Husam Badran stated that the group is committed to the ceasefire agreement. He warned that if Israel breaks the agreement, negotiations would start over. The next phase of the agreement involves releasing remaining hostages and withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamas currently holds 24 living hostages and the remains of 35 others.
The conflict began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in about 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 250 people. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign that has reportedly killed over 48,000 Palestinians and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s residents, with more than half of the casualties being women and children.
Although the ceasefire has reduced fighting, Israel has maintained a military presence in Gaza and continues to strike specific locations. Israeli officials claim these strikes are in response to threats from Palestinians attempting to attack or approach military areas. Recently, airstrikes on Monday led to the deaths of ten people.
