PALESTINE, March 18 – Israel has launched its most intense airstrikes on Gaza since a January ceasefire, leaving at least 220 dead, including women, children, and the elderly, according to rescue workers. The attack follows a diplomatic deadlock over extending the truce, with Hamas accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of choosing to “resume war” rather than negotiate.
The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration before carrying out the strikes. Netanyahu’s office justified the offensive, citing Hamas’ refusal to release Israeli hostages despite multiple proposals from U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.
Israel Vows to Escalate Military Action
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office declared: “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.” An Israeli official, speaking to AFP, said the operation would continue “as long as necessary” and could expand beyond airstrikes.
Hamas responded with a strong condemnation, stating: “Netanyahu and his extremist government have decided to overturn the ceasefire agreement.” The group accused Netanyahu of using the war as a “lifeline” to stay in power amid mounting political pressure.
Horror Unfolds on the Ground
Scenes of devastation unfolded across Gaza, with bodies covered in white sheets arriving at hospitals. Mohammed Jarghoun, 36, recounted waking up to explosions near his home in Khan Yunis:
“I thought it was a nightmare, but then I saw flames consuming my relatives’ house. More than twenty people were killed or wounded—most of them children and women.”
In Gaza City, Ramez Alammarin, 25, described the aftermath:
“They unleashed the fire of hell again. Bodies and limbs are scattered everywhere, and there aren’t enough doctors to treat the wounded. Death is better than living like this.”
Ceasefire Talks in Shambles
The latest escalation comes after a January 19 ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., temporarily halted over 15 months of hostilities. However, negotiations over the next phase of the truce collapsed in early March.
Hamas had agreed to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander along with the remains of four others in exchange for a “substantial” prisoner swap. But U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas’ response was “unacceptable”, warning that the “opportunity is closing fast.”
Trump’s Endorsement of Israel’s Offensive
The White House confirmed Trump’s involvement, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating:
“As President Trump has made clear, Hamas, the Houthis, Iran—anyone who threatens Israel and the United States—will pay the price. All hell will break loose.”
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
With peace talks at a standstill, Israel has cut aid and electricity to Gaza, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,218 people in Israel, retaliatory Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of at least 48,572 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from both sides.
As the situation spirals, fears of a full-scale war are growing, with no clear resolution in sight.
