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Israel launches new strikes against Hamas
Israel launched new strikes against Hamas Monday and promised ‘increasing military force’ after talks on further hostage releases stalled. Early Friday morning, Israel’s Prime Minister’s office said it instructed the army to strike Hamas across Gaza.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip - Israel’s heaviest airstrikes on Gaza since January’s ceasefire killed at least 44 people early Tuesday, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The strikes come as hostage negotiations stall, with Hamas accusing Israel of breaking the truce and endangering talks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the renewed attacks, saying Hamas had refused to release more hostages despite mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. Hamas called the offensive an "unprovoked escalation" and warned that hostage negotiations could be in jeopardy.
The latest developments raise fears of a full-scale resumption of war, threatening months of fragile ceasefire progress.
Why did Israel resume military operations?
The backstory:
The latest escalation marks a turning point in the fragile ceasefire, with both sides accusing the other of undermining negotiations. As tensions rise, it remains unclear whether Israel’s strikes are meant to pressure Hamas back to the table or if they signal the beginning of a broader military campaign.
- Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in January, halting the 17-month-long war and allowing dozens of hostages to be exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Talks for a second phase of the deal—releasing the remaining hostages and negotiating a permanent ceasefire—have stalled in recent weeks.
- Netanyahu accused Hamas of rejecting all offers, including those mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
In response, Israel launched widespread airstrikes, but it remains unclear whether this is a one-time pressure tactic or the resumption of full-scale military operations.
People walk among the ruins of destroyed buildings in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on March 15, 2025. ( (Credit: SAEED JARAS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images))
What is Hamas saying about the ceasefire?
What they're saying:
Hamas claims Israel’s new wave of attacks threatens the hostages’ safety and signals the collapse of the ceasefire.
Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, condemned Israel’s actions, stating: "The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza."
Gaza’s health ministry confirmed that at least 44 people were killed in Tuesday’s airstrikes.
What's next:
The future of the ceasefire remains uncertain as hostilities escalate. Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume the war if Hamas does not comply with demands for further hostage releases.
With negotiations at a standstill, the coming days will determine whether Israel’s attacks continue or diplomacy resumes.
The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are still pushing for a long-term truce, but with tensions rising, the path forward remains unclear.
The Source: This story was reported from Los Angeles. It is based on information from The Associated Press, detailing Israel’s latest military actions, failed ceasefire negotiations, and regional escalations involving Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria.