Israel resumes military operations in Gaza amid ceasefire collapse

Israeli airstrikes have intensified across Gaza, resulting in at least 13 reported deaths overnight, following the country's decision to resume combat operations. According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, two civilians lost their lives and five others were injured when an Israeli drone struck a tent near the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone. The Red Crescent confirmed the casualties.

The Israeli military stated that it had targeted a Hamas military site that was allegedly being used to launch attacks on Israel. Additionally, vessels under Hamas’ control were struck. The renewed offensive follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration that the military campaign would continue "in full force," warning that "this is just the beginning."

Although the latest strikes are not as intense as those seen on Tuesday—when Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported over 400 deaths—they indicate that Israel’s military action is far from over. Tuesday's airstrikes were the most severe since the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement was established on January 19. However, talks on extending the deal collapsed, preventing the implementation of its second phase.

The ceasefire agreement initially outlined a three-phase process, with the second stage involving Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. However, instead of progressing with that phase, Israel and the United States sought to extend the first phase, focusing on additional hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. Netanyahu framed the renewed fighting as a necessary step to achieve Israel’s primary objectives: retrieving the remaining hostages and dismantling Hamas. Yet, families of the hostages have criticized the government, arguing that the decision signifies abandonment of their loved ones.

Israel reports that Hamas still holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive. Egypt, a key mediator in negotiations, condemned Israel’s airstrikes as a “blatant” breach of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Wafa reported additional casualties, including a woman and a child killed in Khan Younis and four others in Gaza City.

Hamas confirmed the deaths of several high-ranking officials in Tuesday’s strikes, including Essam al-Da'lees, its de facto head of government. Islamic Jihad, which was involved in the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the current war, also reported the death of its spokesperson, known as Abu Hamza. However, among the casualties were also dozens of civilians, including many children.

Regional mediators are now pressuring Hamas to release more Israeli hostages in exchange for a potential de-escalation. However, Netanyahu has declared that all future ceasefire negotiations will take place "under fire."

The war was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, 25 of whom were later released under the initial ceasefire phase. Israel retaliated with a large-scale military campaign, which, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, has so far killed more than 48,500 Palestinians and caused extensive destruction.