Israel broke its ceasefire with Hamas by unleashing a series of devastating airstrikes overnight on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians throughout the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “this is just the beginning.”
According to health officials in the Hamas-controlled enclave, over 400 people lost their lives, while hundreds more sustained injuries. Footage captured by an NBC News crew at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, depicted scorched tent camps and bloodied bodies, including those of young children.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced it had conducted a “targeted ground operation” in central and southern Gaza, aiming to establish a partial buffer between the northern and southern sections of the territory.
Why did the ceasefire collapse?
Both Israel and the Trump administration have attributed the renewed hostilities to Hamas, citing the group’s refusal to comply with Israel’s demand for the release of additional hostages as a condition for resuming negotiations.
However, this condition was not part of the original ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19. Under the first phase of that deal, Hamas released 25 living hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for roughly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. That phase concluded on March 1.
The second phase, set to begin 16 days later, was meant to facilitate the release of all remaining hostages and establish a permanent ceasefire. The third phase outlined the return of the bodies of all deceased hostages and a commitment to Gaza’s reconstruction.
However, the second phase never commenced after Netanyahu embraced a plan proposed by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East. The plan aimed to extend the ceasefire by 50 days to allow discussions on phase two—a proposal immediately rejected by Hamas.
In response to Hamas’ rejection, Israel halted the flow of aid and goods into Gaza, a move condemned by human rights organizations.
Israel’s military described Tuesday’s airstrikes as “pre-emptive,” alleging—without presenting evidence—that Hamas was attempting to rearm.
Pressure at home
Netanyahu has faced substantial and often conflicting pressures from different factions within Israel, alongside mounting international condemnation over the Israeli military’s actions and the rising death toll in Gaza.
Families of the hostages taken during Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, have consistently advocated for a deal to secure the release of their loved ones. Israeli authorities report that approximately 250 people were taken captive that day, while 1,200 were killed. Since then, health officials in Gaza estimate that over 48,000 people have died due to Israel’s military operations.
Meanwhile, far-right members of Israel’s government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to resign if Israel proceeds with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. They continue to push for Hamas’ complete destruction.
If these members were to follow through on their threats, Israel would likely face early elections. Netanyahu—who is currently on trial for corruption charges—could be ousted from power.
Israel War in Gaza (Photo: Getty Images)Thousands protest against Netanyahu’s government in Tel Aviv
That same day, Netanyahu appeared to align himself with the far-right elements of his government who have been pushing for a return to war.
“From now on, Israel will act against the militant group with increasing intensity,” he stated, further declaring that negotiations to end the conflict would “only take place under fire.”
Almost immediately after this declaration, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had previously resigned as Minister for National Security in protest against the ceasefire deal, rejoined Netanyahu’s coalition along with his Otzma Yehudit party.
Bringing the war to a close would require Netanyahu to compromise on at least one of his three stated objectives for Gaza: securing the return of the hostages held by Hamas, dismantling the group’s military and governing infrastructure, and eliminating the threat of future attacks.
While Netanyahu has repeatedly faced criticism from the United Nations, the European Union, and various individual nations regarding Israel’s military campaign, he still enjoys the backing of Israel’s primary ally, the United States—particularly under the Trump administration.
Israel launches major airstrikes in Gaza, ending the truce
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Israel had consulted with the Trump administration before carrying out Tuesday’s attacks.
Meanwhile, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, asserted in a statement to the U.N. Security Council that the blame for the renewed conflict rested solely on Hamas and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s support for Israel’s actions.
Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, suggested that Israel’s latest strikes were intended to push Hamas to a “decision phase.” With Trump in office, “Israel is very well coordinated with the American administration,” he added.
What happens next?
Netanyahu has insisted that any future negotiations will proceed in parallel with continued military operations in Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed that it had conducted further strikes overnight into Wednesday.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim told NBC News that the group remained “committed to the agreement we signed, which must end with a ceasefire and a complete withdrawal” of Israeli forces. He also stated that Hamas was prepared to engage in negotiations toward that goal.
At present, resuming the ceasefire would require compromises from one or both sides. However, neither appears willing to make concessions.