The recent escalation in Gaza comes after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the resumption of combat operations, stating that the fighting would continue “in full force” and that “this is just the beginning.” Overnight air strikes reportedly killed at least 13 people, including civilians, and targeted what Israel described as Hamas military sites, along with vessels controlled by Hamas. These strikes are a continuation of the recent military actions that have seen significant casualties, including over 400 people killed in Israeli strikes on Tuesday alone.
The latest violence follows a fragile ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement that was supposed to be in the second phase of negotiations, which has yet to materialize. The proposed second phase would involve a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, but Israel and the US have pushed for an extension of the first phase instead. Netanyahu’s government emphasizes the return of hostages and the defeat of Hamas as the main objectives of the operation.
This escalation raises concerns about the prospects of a prolonged conflict, as regional mediators push for Hamas to release more Israeli hostages in exchange for a de-escalation. However, Netanyahu has made it clear that future ceasefire talks will happen “under fire,” signaling that Israel intends to continue its military actions as part of its broader strategy in the region.