Israeli forces launched deadly attacks on Gaza, breaking the cease-fire with Hamas and resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. The air barrage aimed to force Hamas to compromise in cease-fire talks. The strikes killed at least 400 Palestinians, including children, according to the Gaza health ministry. Hamas publicly announced the deaths of five senior officials in the strikes. The violence shattered the relative calm in Gaza that had lasted for two months.
The Israeli assault was in response to Hamas’s refusal to release the rest of the hostages taken during a raid in October. There was a deadlock in negotiations over extending the cease-fire and releasing captives. Israel blamed Hamas for the breakdown in talks and reiterated its commitment to continuing military action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would intensify its attacks on Hamas in Gaza until all war objectives were achieved. The Trump administration’s support for Israel in recent weeks has also influenced the conflict dynamics.
The cease-fire talks stalled due to fundamental disagreements between Israel and Hamas. Hamas insisted on a permanent end to the conflict before releasing additional captives, while Israel demanded the dismantling of Hamas’s military wing or control over Gaza. The deteriorating situation in Gaza, with aid and humanitarian supplies being cut off, added to the civilian suffering already present in the enclave. The initial phase of the cease-fire saw the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but further negotiations hit a dead end over these critical issues.
Hamas accused Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement and putting the Gaza hostages at risk. Despite their accusations, Hamas did not respond militarily to the attacks, showing an absence of rocket fire or ambush attempts on Israeli soldiers. The group expressed disappointment in the United States’s support for Israel in breaking the truce. Hamas officials emphasize their commitment to restoring the cease-fire while reserving the right to respond to Israeli actions. The remaining hostages in Gaza have become a critical point of contention in the conflict.
Of the 250 individuals seized by Hamas, more than 130 have been released during various stages of negotiations. The Israeli military has also retrieved the bodies of some captives. Less than half of the remaining hostages are alive, according to the Israeli government. Criticism of the renewed strikes on Gaza includes concerns about the safety of captives and the potential political motivations behind the military action. The Israeli government insists that military pressure is necessary for the release of additional hostages and that releasing captives and hurting Hamas militarily are interconnected goals.
