Early Tuesday morning, Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza, breaking a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. These surprise attacks resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths, including women and children, and injured hundreds more. Hamas officials confirmed that five of their leaders were among those killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that “this is just the beginning.”
Israel began these attacks at around 2:10 a.m., using warplanes and ships after weeks of secret planning. The Israeli military stated that their strikes targeted Hamas leaders and accused Hamas of trying to rearm, although they did not provide clear evidence.
This sudden return to violence surprised both Palestinians and Israelis. Many Israelis were worried because 24 hostages were still being held in Gaza. Some freed hostages criticized Israel, believing the renewed attacks put the remaining hostages in greater danger.
The ceasefire, established on January 19, 2025, had multiple stages. In the first phase, Hamas released 25 living hostages and eight bodies in exchange for around 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase, which never began, was supposed to release all remaining hostages and establish a permanent ceasefire. Israeli officials refused to continue with this stage unless Hamas released more hostages immediately and agreed to new terms presented by the Trump administration. Hamas rejected these new demands, leading to the breakdown of negotiations.
Israel then blocked aid and essential supplies from entering Gaza, which worsened the humanitarian situation there. Hamas officials accused Israel of breaking the agreement and placing hostages in greater danger. Hamas has not yet responded militarily, although they have stated their right to respond.
Some experts believe Israel resumed the conflict to pressure Hamas into agreeing to Israel’s new demands. Netanyahu stated that negotiations will now only happen “under fire.” He has faced pressure from within his government, especially from far-right members who wanted the war to continue. This conflict also helps Netanyahu politically, as he needs support to pass a national budget and avoid new elections.
Meanwhile, countries around the world have condemned the violence. Despite criticism, the Trump administration supports Israel’s actions, with White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirming that Israel consulted with the U.S. before launching the strikes.
Currently, neither side shows signs of backing down. Families of hostages in Gaza have strongly protested Israel’s renewed attacks, worrying about their loved ones’ safety. One Israeli mother, Ruhama Buhbut, whose son Elkana is still a hostage, said, “The gates of hell have opened? For me the gates of hell have opened today.”
This article is based on the following articles:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/world/middleeast/israel-attack-gaza-hamas.html
Background Information
The conflict between Israel and Hamas is part of the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has lasted for many decades. Gaza is a small coastal territory located next to Israel and Egypt, home to around two million Palestinians. Hamas is a Palestinian political and militant group that governs Gaza, while Israel considers it a terrorist organization.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict mainly revolves around disagreements over land, security, and recognition. Palestinians seek an independent state, which would include Gaza and the West Bank, territories occupied by Israel since 1967. Israel argues that it needs to ensure its security, claiming that Hamas and other Palestinian groups threaten its citizens’ safety.
Hostilities between Israel and Hamas have occurred frequently over the past decades, involving rocket attacks, airstrikes, and ground operations. Civilians on both sides often suffer greatly during these conflicts, leading to international calls for peace and humanitarian support.
A ceasefire is a temporary agreement to stop fighting, which allows humanitarian aid, rebuilding efforts, and negotiations toward permanent peace. Ceasefires often require compromises from both sides, such as prisoner exchanges or agreements on future negotiations.
International involvement has frequently shaped the conflict, with countries like the United States often playing significant roles in negotiations and peace efforts. The recent ceasefire had been brokered with international support, but disagreements over the terms led to its collapse, resulting in renewed violence.
Debate/Essay Questions
- Was Israel justified in resuming attacks on Gaza after the ceasefire? Why or why not?
- Is blocking humanitarian aid to pressure an opponent during conflict ever acceptable? Why or why not?
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