The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has been shattered, with Israel launching a massive assault on the enclave, resulting in over 404 deaths, according to Israeli officials, who vowed to continue and even expand their military campaign. The bombardment, which included airstrikes and artillery fire, began in the early hours of Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and targeted several locations throughout the densely populated territory. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that at least 130 children and numerous women were among the dead, with an additional 562 people injured.
As the violence escalated, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his government would increase its military efforts against Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. This latest development comes after weeks of stalled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, following the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement on March 1. While Israel sought to extend the first phase, Hamas pushed for negotiations on a second phase, leading to a deadlock.
The Israeli military’s actions were reportedly authorized by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who accused Hamas of refusing to release hostages and rejecting proposals from the US special envoy. Israeli officials claimed that they informed the US government before launching the attack, which they characterized as a preemptive strike against Hamas’s alleged plans to escalate violence.
However, Hamas denied these allegations, accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging the ceasefire and putting the lives of hostages in Gaza at risk. The group claimed that Israel’s actions would only lead to further bloodshed and destabilization in the region.
The renewed violence in Gaza is part of a broader surge in tensions across the Middle East, following a US drone strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which resulted in dozens of fatalities. Meanwhile, the Lebanese and Syrian armies have engaged in cross-border exchanges, underscoring the escalating conflict.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, international concern is mounting. The US, which has been attempting to broker a ceasefire, has urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations. However, with Israel vowing to press on with its military campaign, the prospects for a peaceful resolution seem increasingly remote.
According to reports, Israel’s military operations will persist as long as necessary, with the possibility of expanding beyond aerial attacks. The humanitarian toll of the conflict is already severe, with Gaza’s infrastructure and civilian population bearing the brunt of the violence. As the international community struggles to respond to the crisis, one thing is certain: the people of Gaza will continue to suffer the consequences of a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
Source: CNN