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Israel launches devastating airstrikes across Gaza killing over 400 after Hamas refused to release hostages, shattering a fragile ceasefire and signaling a dramatic return to full-scale war in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Israeli military has resumed operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip with heavy airstrikes after ceasefire negotiations collapsed.
- Hamas refused to release remaining Israeli hostages, prompting Netanyahu’s government to intensify military action.
- Mediation efforts by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steven Witkoff, Egypt, and Qatar failed to salvage the truce that had held for two months.
- Israeli authorities have closed schools in areas near Gaza and issued evacuation orders for several neighborhoods, expecting potential Hamas rocket attacks.
- Intelligence sources estimate Hamas still holds 24 living hostages and the remains of 35 others.
Netanyahu Orders Military Escalation After Failed Hostage Negotiations
After two months of relative calm, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas dramatically collapsed as Israeli forces launched their most intense bombardment of Gaza since January. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced the decision to resume military operations following Hamas’s refusal to release additional hostages during negotiations. Intelligence reports indicate that Hamas continues to hold 24 living hostages and the remains of 35 others, with their freedom serving as the cornerstone of Israel’s strategic objectives in the ongoing conflict.
The airstrikes have already caused significant casualties, with Palestinian health officials reporting at least 400 deaths and hundreds more injured. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take strong action against what they describe as the “Hamas terrorist organization” in Gaza. The military escalation represents a critical shift in Israel’s approach after weeks of diplomatic efforts failed to achieve progress on the hostage situation.
Israel launched its most intense wave of airstrikes on Gaza since the January ceasefire, blaming Hamas for failed hostage negotiations. The escalation comes as regional tensions flare, with Israeli strikes reported in Lebanon and Syria as well. https://t.co/haIf2xoJxD
— FOX 13 Seattle (@fox13seattle) March 18, 2025
Diplomatic Failure and International Reactions
The breakdown in negotiations occurred despite intensive mediation efforts by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steven Witkoff alongside Egyptian and Qatari officials. The talks stalled when Israel demanded the release of half of the remaining hostages as a prerequisite for further truce discussions, while Hamas insisted on adhering to the original ceasefire terms, which included a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for all remaining hostages. This fundamental disagreement proved insurmountable despite weeks of diplomatic maneuvering.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip,” stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
International reactions to the renewed violence have been swift and divided. The White House confirmed that Israel consulted with the United States before launching the strikes, with spokesperson Brian Hughes asserting that “Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.” In contrast, Turkey has accused Israel of genocide and called for international intervention, while Russia and Egypt have expressed serious concerns about civilian casualties and the potential for broader regional escalation.
🚨 ISRAEL RESUMES ATTACKS ON HAMAS AFTER CEASEFIRE COLLAPSES; ISRAEL INTENSIFIES ATTACKS ON HAMAS AFTER FAILED HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS
💥 Breaking: The ceasefire is over. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirms that Israel has resumed military operations against Hamas in Gaza… pic.twitter.com/Qmf9ru1T2a
— Israel Realtime (@IsraelRealtime) March 18, 2025
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Gaza’s already overstretched medical facilities are reporting overwhelming numbers of casualties, with many victims being children. One Gaza resident, Rabiha Jamal, described the renewed bombing as “a night of hell. It felt like the first days of the war.” The strikes have hit during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, further intensifying the humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians. Israel has issued evacuation orders for several Gaza neighborhoods, suggesting prolonged military operations are planned.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” declared Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, signaling a potential long-term operation.
The escalation comes amid growing regional tensions, with the conflict already spilling over into Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. The United States has expanded military operations in Yemen, holding Iran accountable for Houthi attacks on international shipping routes. These interconnected conflicts threaten to draw more nations into direct confrontation, with Israel’s renewed Gaza campaign adding fuel to an already volatile situation across the Middle East.
Domestic Political Implications
The renewed military operations have already shown political benefits for Prime Minister Netanyahu, with former minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announcing his return to the governing coalition following the airstrikes. This development strengthens Netanyahu’s parliamentary position at a critical moment when his leadership had been increasingly questioned over his handling of the hostage situation. The decision to resume military operations appears to have consolidated support among his right-wing allies.
For Israeli civilians, particularly those living near the Gaza border, the resumption of hostilities brings renewed security concerns. Schools have been closed in areas potentially within range of Hamas rockets, as authorities implement precautionary measures to protect civilians. The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israeli communities that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in roughly 250 hostages, has now entered a dangerous new phase with uncertain outcomes for both Israelis and Palestinians.