Israeli airstrikes target Hamas in Gaza after ceasefire collapses; military action escalates as negotiations break down.

Israel has launched a significant military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, marking the most intense escalation since the January ceasefire. The overnight airstrikes between March 17 and 18 targeted Hamas strongholds across Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City. According to Palestinian health officials, the strikes resulted in hundreds of casualties.

Breakdown of Ceasefire Negotiations

The ceasefire, initiated in January, began to unravel as negotiations for its extension stalled. Hamas’ refusal to release Israeli hostages and its rejection of mediation proposals led to the collapse of the truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the airstrikes, emphasizing that military actions would intensify until all hostages are freed and Hamas is weakened.

“Hamas could have ended this peacefully, but instead it chose war,” an Israeli government spokesperson said. “Israel will act decisively to ensure Hamas can never threaten us again.”

Hamas had offered to release Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier, in exchange for concessions, but Israel dismissed the proposal as “psychological warfare.” The terrorist group also refused to release additional hostages on March 1, March 8, and March 15, further fueling tensions.

Hamas’ Stance and International Reactions

Hamas condemned the Israeli airstrikes, accusing Israel of overturning the nearly two-month-long ceasefire agreement. However, analysts suggest that Hamas had no intention of upholding the ceasefire beyond Ramadan.

“From March 1 onward, Hamas sought to extend negotiations while rebuilding its forces,” said Middle East security expert Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser. “They wanted a ‘Ramadan ceasefire’ to regroup, but Israel understood the game and acted accordingly.”

The United States has supported Israel’s actions, with National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stating, “Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.” The White House confirmed that Israel consulted with Washington before resuming strikes, underscoring the coordination between the two allies.

Military Developments and Casualties

The Israeli military has reported striking weapons depots, tunnels, and command centers used by Hamas operatives. Former IDF spokesperson Col. Jonathan Conricus warned that Israel intends to inflict “unprecedented pain” on Hamas, signaling a potentially prolonged and intensified military campaign.

Hamas, meanwhile, has attempted to portray itself as a victim, claiming that civilian casualties are mounting. However, IDF officials emphasized that Hamas deliberately embeds itself within civilian infrastructure to use human shields.

“Hamas has spent years constructing terror tunnels under hospitals and schools,” said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. “This makes precision targeting difficult, but we are taking all measures to minimize civilian harm.”

Regional Implications and Future Prospects

The resumption of hostilities comes at a time when Hamas finds itself increasingly isolated. Iran, its primary backer, has signaled a more cautious approach amid escalating tensions with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Houthis—who had previously threatened to escalate attacks in support of Hamas—are now facing sustained U.S. airstrikes.

Israel has also increased its military activity against Hezbollah, targeting positions in southern Lebanon and Syria. Regional analysts believe that Hamas overplayed its hand, thinking it could manipulate negotiations while strengthening its forces.

“This is not October 2023,” said security analyst Dr. Michael Milshtein. “Hamas miscalculated the level of support it would receive from its allies. The Houthis are on the defensive, Hezbollah is more restrained, and Iran is wary of direct confrontation.”

With Hamas’ strategy of delay and deception exposed, Israel now holds the initiative. Whether this latest escalation leads to a decisive military campaign or forces Hamas back to the negotiating table remains to be seen. However, Israel has made its position clear: the days of Hamas manipulating ceasefires for its own benefit are over.