International
‘This Is Just the Beginning’ – Netanyahu Vows More Strikes After Israel Resumes Gaza Airstrikes
- Israel resumes major airstrikes in Gaza, killing over 400 amid collapsed ceasefire talks.
- Netanyahu vows to continue fighting Hamas, says negotiations will only proceed “under fire.”
- Hamas warns renewed violence endangers hostages; Egypt condemns Israeli strikes as a “dangerous escalation.”
Israel has resumed full-scale military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday night, warning that “negotiations will continue only under fire” and vowing that “this is just the beginning.”
In a defiant video address, Netanyahu confirmed the end of the ceasefire that had largely held since January 19, following a barrage of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas positions, but the Hamas-run health ministry reported over 400 fatalities and hundreds more injured in what is now the heaviest assault since the truce began.
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The renewed offensive struck several locations, including Beit Lahia, Rafah, Nuseirat, and Al-Mawasi, shattering weeks of relative calm. Hospitals across Gaza are once again overwhelmed, treating waves of casualties.
Egypt, which has served as a key mediator in truce negotiations, strongly condemned the strikes. “This is a blatant violation of the ceasefire and a dangerous escalation,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf.
“I was shocked the war started again, but at the same time, we expect this from the Israelis,” said Hael, a resident of Jabalia al-Balad, speaking to BBC Arabic. “I’m exhausted. We’ve had enough—this war has gone on for a year and a half. It’s enough.”
Among the casualties was Major General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, Gaza’s deputy interior minister and the highest-ranking Hamas security official killed in the latest strikes.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of repeatedly rejecting offers to release Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, despite Israel’s attempts to reach a negotiated solution. Talks over extending the three-phase ceasefire deal had stalled since early March. While phase one allowed for prisoner exchanges, phases two and three—which included establishing a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal—were never implemented.
Instead, the US and Israel sought to extend phase one, delaying a broader ceasefire. Hamas rejected the proposed amendment, calling it unacceptable and a breach of the original agreement brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
Netanyahu said Israel’s goals remain unchanged: “To return the hostages, eliminate Hamas, and ensure it can no longer threaten Israel.”
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According to officials, Israel consulted with the Trump administration before launching the latest strikes. US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated, “Hamas could have extended the ceasefire by releasing hostages. Instead, they chose war.”
Hamas warned that Israel’s renewed assault would “impose a death sentence” on remaining hostages, accusing Israel of seeking to force its surrender.
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