In a dramatic escalation, Israel has resumed airstrikes on the Gaza Strip following the breakdown of a ceasefire that had been in place since January 19, 2025. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched extensive operations targeting Hamas positions after the militant group refused to release additional hostages, effectively ending the fragile truce.​

Breakdown of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire, brokered with the assistance of international mediators including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, was established to halt over a year of intense conflict that had devastated much of Gaza and led to significant casualties on both sides. As part of the agreement, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, negotiations for the release of the remaining 59 hostages stalled, with Hamas rejecting proposals from international mediators, including U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, to extend the ceasefire in exchange for their release. ​

Resumption of Hostilities

Israel resumed hostilities in Gaza with a series of large-scale airstrikes early on March 18, 2025, effectively ending the ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. The Israeli military targeted what it described as Hamas positions throughout Gaza, leading to significant casualties and widespread destruction.

Palestinian health officials reported over 400 deaths and hundreds of injuries from the strikes. Many victims were trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. The attacks hit multiple locations, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Residential areas in Deir Al-Balah were also struck, intensifying concerns about civilian casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, stating that the strikes were a direct response to Hamas’s refusal to release additional hostages and its alleged plans for new attacks. Israeli officials claimed that Hamas had repeatedly rejected diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and had left them with no choice but to take military action.

Hamas condemned the airstrikes, accusing Israel of unilaterally ending the ceasefire and sabotaging peace efforts. The group warned that the renewed strikes amounted to a “death sentence” for the remaining Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, raising fears over their safety.

Internationally, the Israeli government notified the Trump administration ahead of the operation and briefed U.S. officials on its objectives. The White House expressed support for Israel’s actions, emphasizing its right to defend itself against Hamas.