Department of Research, Studies and International News 19-03-2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel’s latest military campaign in Gaza is far from over, declaring that the offensive will persist until Hamas is completely dismantled and all Israeli hostages are released. His announcement follows a series of intense airstrikes that shattered a temporary ceasefire, resulting in significant casualties.

In a televised address on Tuesday night, Netanyahu emphasized that any future ceasefire negotiations would take place “under fire,” reaffirming Israel’s commitment to achieving its military objectives. The latest strikes, which have been described as the deadliest day of violence in Gaza since early 2023, have reportedly claimed over 400 Palestinian lives and left more than 600 wounded.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, indicated that the conflict could persist for weeks or even months. Speaking during a visit to an airbase, Gallant warned that Hamas must recognize the new reality, stating that “the gates of hell will open, and it will face the full might of the IDF in the air, at sea, and on land” if the hostages were not released.

Amidst this renewed military operation, the Israeli army has issued fresh evacuation orders for the northern and eastern parts of Gaza, signaling a potential escalation involving ground operations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have justified the airstrikes by stating that they were aimed at Hamas military commanders and political figures. However, Palestinian health officials report that the victims included numerous civilians, with entire families wiped out in some instances.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

The ongoing conflict has led to mass displacement, with thousands of civilians attempting to flee the affected areas. Aid organizations report that many Gazans are in a dire state, both physically and psychologically. Hospitals, already struggling with limited resources, are overwhelmed with casualties. Witnesses describe harrowing scenes of patients lying on hospital floors, medical personnel performing emergency procedures with minimal supplies, and grieving families holding impromptu funeral rites in hospital courtyards.

In the city of Rafah, one particularly devastating airstrike reportedly killed 17 members of a single family, including five children. Meanwhile, in Khan Younis, doctors at the Nasser hospital struggled to tend to the influx of wounded as air raid sirens and distant explosions continued throughout the night.

Political Ramifications and International Response

Netanyahu’s government has faced growing scrutiny, both domestically and internationally. His recent decision to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, has sparked protests, with critics accusing him of consolidating power under the guise of national security. The move has further fueled accusations that the prime minister is using the ongoing war to strengthen his coalition’s grip on power.

In Washington, a White House spokesperson confirmed that Israel had consulted with the U.S. administration before launching the strikes. However, global leaders have expressed concerns over the rising civilian death toll and the long-term implications of prolonged hostilities. Hamas, on its part, has accused Israel of violating previous ceasefire agreements and prolonging suffering in Gaza.

The Breakdown of Ceasefire Negotiations

The latest escalation follows the collapse of a fragile ceasefire agreement brokered in January, which had facilitated the release of 25 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement was supposed to move into a second phase, which would have included a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages. However, Israel has refused to discuss the implementation of this phase, instead pushing for a limited truce in exchange for further prisoner swaps.

Netanyahu’s office has blamed Hamas for breaking the agreement, alleging that the group was planning new attacks and had rejected a proposal from Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to extend the ceasefire. Hamas officials, meanwhile, argue that Israel’s refusal to commit to the second phase of the deal has left no room for negotiation.

Fifteen months into the conflict, Gaza has been left in devastation. Over 48,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and nearly 90% of homes have been either damaged or destroyed. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, and sanitation systems, lies in ruins, with much of the population displaced. Israel has further tightened its blockade, limiting access to essential supplies in an attempt to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages.

With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. As the Israeli offensive intensifies, world leaders face mounting pressure to intervene and push for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further loss of life.