Israeli forces launched extensive attacks on Gaza on Tuesday, marking the largest and deadliest military action since a cease-fire with Hamas began approximately two months ago. Health authorities in Gaza reported that the strikes resulted in the deaths of hundreds of individuals.
As of midday Tuesday, it was uncertain whether the strikes represented a temporary measure to compel Hamas to negotiate or the onset of a renewed phase in the ongoing conflict.
At around 2:30 a.m. local time, the Israeli military announced it was conducting significant strikes on Hamas targets. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 400 Palestinian fatalities, including children, although the figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Hamas confirmed the deaths of at least five senior officials within its Gaza leadership, including two members of its political bureau and three others, one of whom was the director of Hamas’s internal security agency.
When the strikes commenced, many residents were preparing for a special meal before the daily Ramadan fast, while others were abruptly awakened. The sudden explosions served as a stark reminder to Gazans that the conflict had resumed after a period of relative calm.
The Israeli government characterized the airstrikes as a response to Hamas's refusal to engage constructively in cease-fire negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that Hamas had repeatedly declined to release hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, raid, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages. The statement emphasized that Israel would intensify its military actions against Hamas.
Israel’s foreign minister echoed this sentiment, indicating that the cease-fire discussions had reached an impasse, leaving Israel with no choice but to resume military operations.
The breakdown of cease-fire negotiations stemmed from fundamental disagreements. Hamas has leveraged the hostages as bargaining chips, refusing to release more captives without assurances from Israel regarding the cessation of hostilities. Israel has insisted that any agreement to end the war must involve Hamas relinquishing control of Gaza or dismantling its military capabilities.
Israel's position in the negotiations has been bolstered by support from the Trump administration, which has supplied additional military resources. The White House confirmed that Israel consulted with them prior to the strikes.
To exert further pressure on Hamas, Israel halted the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza earlier this month, worsening the conditions for civilians in the region. Palestinian health authorities have reported over 46,000 deaths, predominantly among women, children, and the elderly.
The cease-fire, which began on January 19, was intended to progress through several stages towards a comprehensive resolution of the conflict. During the initial phase, Hamas released 30 hostages in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
In response to the airstrikes, Hamas accused Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement, jeopardizing the fate of the remaining prisoners in Gaza. As of now, Hamas has not retaliated militarily against the attacks.
Of the 250 hostages taken, over 130 have been released, including more than 100 during an earlier cease-fire and an additional 30 during the truce that began in January. The Israeli military has also recovered the bodies of at least 40 hostages. According to the Israeli government, fewer than half of the 59 remaining hostages are alive.
The primary advocacy group for the families of hostages criticized the Israeli government for what they perceive as a neglect of those still held in Gaza following the decision to conduct large-scale airstrikes.