Tensions in the Middle East have surged as Israel's latest airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in significant casualties, signal a potential shift in its military strategy amid faltering negotiations with Hamas over hostages.
Israel Stalls Ground Invasion, Intensifies Gaza Strikes Amid Hostage Negotiations
Israel Stalls Ground Invasion, Intensifies Gaza Strikes Amid Hostage Negotiations
Israel's recent airstrikes on Gaza reflect a strategy to pressure Hamas in stalled hostage negotiations, but risks escalating conflict.
March 18, 2025, 3:32 a.m. ET – In a move to exert pressure on Hamas, Israel has escalated its airstrikes on Gaza without initiating a ground invasion, analysts report. The recent operation reportedly resulted in over 250 fatalities and comes as talks for an extension of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have reached an impasse. This breakdown stems from Israel's demands for the release of hostages, which Hamas is resisting without assurance of maintaining its governance over Gaza post-conflict.
The current strategy appears aimed at coercing Hamas into making concessions, a strategy that could backfire and lead to an all-out war, experts warn. Michael Milstein, an expert on Palestinian affairs and a former Israeli intelligence officer, indicated that the focus on aerial attacks signifies an effort to instigate a reaction from Hamas, although he doubts the group's willingness to concede on its demands.
Hamas, still reeling from prior escalations, had not retaliated within hours of the latest strikes, leading to speculation about its diminished military capacity or a calculated restraint to prevent further Israeli aggression. Nonetheless, the organization issued a statement condemning the strikes, accusing Israel of endangering the lives of hostages still in Gaza and asserting that Israel should be held accountable for its actions.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the objective of crippling Hamas, expressing a desire for operations that diverge significantly from previous strategies. However, the formal announcement from the Israeli government was notably restrained, lacking specifics on the duration or potential escalation into ground troop deployments. As the situation develops, the Israeli military has instructed civilians in border areas to evacuate, yet has refrained from confirming troop movements into Gaza.
The complexities of this conflict continue to unfold, with each side remaining firm in its positions and the specter of further violence looming.
Reported by Patrick Kingsley from Jerusalem.
The current strategy appears aimed at coercing Hamas into making concessions, a strategy that could backfire and lead to an all-out war, experts warn. Michael Milstein, an expert on Palestinian affairs and a former Israeli intelligence officer, indicated that the focus on aerial attacks signifies an effort to instigate a reaction from Hamas, although he doubts the group's willingness to concede on its demands.
Hamas, still reeling from prior escalations, had not retaliated within hours of the latest strikes, leading to speculation about its diminished military capacity or a calculated restraint to prevent further Israeli aggression. Nonetheless, the organization issued a statement condemning the strikes, accusing Israel of endangering the lives of hostages still in Gaza and asserting that Israel should be held accountable for its actions.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the objective of crippling Hamas, expressing a desire for operations that diverge significantly from previous strategies. However, the formal announcement from the Israeli government was notably restrained, lacking specifics on the duration or potential escalation into ground troop deployments. As the situation develops, the Israeli military has instructed civilians in border areas to evacuate, yet has refrained from confirming troop movements into Gaza.
The complexities of this conflict continue to unfold, with each side remaining firm in its positions and the specter of further violence looming.
Reported by Patrick Kingsley from Jerusalem.
