The ceasefire signed between Israel and Hamas has been shaky since the day it was signed on January 19. However, on Tuesday, 18 March, Israel fully resumed its war on Gaza, launching airstrikes, killing over 400 Palestinians and injuring several more.
Israel has also issued evacuation orders for parts of northern and central Gaza near the perimeter, indicating that some form of attack involving ground troops is near. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of Palestinians in the area who have only recently returned to their homes, often in ruins, are on the move once more.
Among those killed include high-ranking Hamas officials and many civilians, including women and children.
Read More: Israel Launches Deadly Airstrikes on Gaza, Shatters Ceasefire
Why Now?
Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz said that the attacks were “due to Hamas’ refusal to release the hostages and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities.” Does that sound like the same reason Israel has been giving since the very beginning?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that military pressure is the most effective means of securing the release of hostages. According to an Israeli official, Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza are the first stage of a series of escalating military actions intended to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages.
What Does this Mean for the Palestinians?
March 18, Tuesday, was the single deadliest day for Palestinians since November 7, 2023, when 548 Palestinians were killed by the IDF.
“Don’t the Israelis have any promises they are committed to? It was a terrifying night,” Ahmad Al Shaafi, who has been sheltering in Deir el Balah, said. “Only God is merciful. There are still two children under the rubble – one 26 years old and the other 5. We cannot retrieve them.”
Since January 19, Israel has made several claims that missiles were launched from Gaza, but they have always been far inside the area. However, they haven’t offered proof of such, and during the two months of the truce, Hamas hasn’t fired rockets into Israel.
What Does the Future Hold?
The harsh truth is that the two-month break in the Israel-Hamas fighting is already over. A compromise to stop these new Israeli attacks is unlikely to be reached anytime soon.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was only partly eased by a massive influx of aid during the ceasefire, however, the resumed war will make distribution of aid harder than ever.
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