Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is back to full combat mode against Hamas, following a series of severe airstrikes that have resulted in significant casualties.
New Escalation in Gaza: Netanyahu Declares Resumption of All-Out Combat
New Escalation in Gaza: Netanyahu Declares Resumption of All-Out Combat
Israel resumes intense military operations against Hamas as tensions rise.
In a bold video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the country has "_resumed combat in full force_" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. His announcement comes amid a backdrop of heavy airstrikes targeting Hamas positions, leading to reports of more than 400 casualties, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
This marked resurgence of violence brings an abrupt end to the relative tranquility experienced in Gaza since a ceasefire was established on January 19. Netanyahu underscored the ongoing nature of the conflict, stating, "negotiations will continue only under fire," and emphasized that this is merely "the beginning.”
The recent airstrikes represent the most intense military response since the ceasefire began, raising concerns that long-term peace talks may have stalled. The sudden onset of violence overwhelmed the medical facilities in Gaza, which had been coping with a lull in conflict. “The attacks were so sudden that the number of medical staff available was inadequate for the scale of these large strikes,” reported Mohammed Zaquot, head of the hospitals in the region.
In his address, Netanyahu recounted attempts to engage in negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas but claimed that Hamas has consistently rejected these proposals. Tensions have mounted around the ceasefire agreement, which had reached a stalemate since the first phase expired in early March, leaving uncertainty about next steps.
Despite international mediation from the US, Qatar, and Egypt to facilitate peace, disputes arose regarding the terms of the agreement, particularly concerning the progression from the first phase to a more permanent ceasefire. The US and Israel proposed a delay intended to release more hostages, however, Hamas deemed these adjustments unacceptable.
Returning to defense objectives, Netanyahu vowed to “return the hostages, eliminate Hamas, and ensure it no longer poses a threat to Israel.” Meanwhile, US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that Hamas's refusal to release hostages essentially triggered the renewal of hostilities.
In a dire warning, Hamas claimed that Israel's renewed military actions could lead to a "death sentence" for the remaining hostages and criticized the Israeli government for making hostile choices that jeopardize lives. A group of families of hostages has expressed outrage at the Israeli government’s decision to reconvene military efforts, accusing them of abandoning their loved ones.
As violence escalates once again, fears permeate Gaza where anguish and uncertainty reign following the shattered ceasefire and the scars of a war that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives since it began on October 7, 2023.
This marked resurgence of violence brings an abrupt end to the relative tranquility experienced in Gaza since a ceasefire was established on January 19. Netanyahu underscored the ongoing nature of the conflict, stating, "negotiations will continue only under fire," and emphasized that this is merely "the beginning.”
The recent airstrikes represent the most intense military response since the ceasefire began, raising concerns that long-term peace talks may have stalled. The sudden onset of violence overwhelmed the medical facilities in Gaza, which had been coping with a lull in conflict. “The attacks were so sudden that the number of medical staff available was inadequate for the scale of these large strikes,” reported Mohammed Zaquot, head of the hospitals in the region.
In his address, Netanyahu recounted attempts to engage in negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas but claimed that Hamas has consistently rejected these proposals. Tensions have mounted around the ceasefire agreement, which had reached a stalemate since the first phase expired in early March, leaving uncertainty about next steps.
Despite international mediation from the US, Qatar, and Egypt to facilitate peace, disputes arose regarding the terms of the agreement, particularly concerning the progression from the first phase to a more permanent ceasefire. The US and Israel proposed a delay intended to release more hostages, however, Hamas deemed these adjustments unacceptable.
Returning to defense objectives, Netanyahu vowed to “return the hostages, eliminate Hamas, and ensure it no longer poses a threat to Israel.” Meanwhile, US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that Hamas's refusal to release hostages essentially triggered the renewal of hostilities.
In a dire warning, Hamas claimed that Israel's renewed military actions could lead to a "death sentence" for the remaining hostages and criticized the Israeli government for making hostile choices that jeopardize lives. A group of families of hostages has expressed outrage at the Israeli government’s decision to reconvene military efforts, accusing them of abandoning their loved ones.
As violence escalates once again, fears permeate Gaza where anguish and uncertainty reign following the shattered ceasefire and the scars of a war that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives since it began on October 7, 2023.
