ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to escalate military operations in Gaza, warning that the recent airstrikes, which killed over 400 Palestinians, were just the beginning of a larger offensive.
In a televised address on Tuesday, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli forces would continue to target Hamas with “increasing force” and rejected calls for a ceasefire unless talks were conducted “under fire.” He made it clear that Israel’s objectives remained unchanged: securing the release of hostages, dismantling Hamas, and eliminating any future threats from Gaza.
Mass Casualties and Widespread Destruction
The airstrikes that took place overnight resulted in significant casualties. Gaza’s health ministry reported that at least 404 Palestinians were killed, with many of the victims being children. More than 560 others were injured. Entire families were reportedly wiped out in the attacks, which targeted residential areas across Gaza, including Khan Younis, Rafah, Gaza City, and Deir el-Balah.
The renewed bombardment comes after the collapse of a fragile ceasefire agreement, which had been in place since January 19. Netanyahu stated that the military would intensify its efforts, reassuring both Israelis and Palestinians that the offensive was only beginning.
Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations
The conflict has escalated amid stalled ceasefire talks. Israel rejected a proposal from Hamas, which had sought the release of an American-Israeli dual national and the return of deceased captives’ bodies in exchange for further negotiations and the easing of the blockade on Gaza. This followed the expiry of the first phase of a ceasefire on March 1, which had allowed for the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have blamed Hamas for the breakdown of negotiations. Netanyahu accused the group of rejecting a US-backed proposal aimed at extending the truce. He added that Israel had accepted the proposal from US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, but Hamas’ refusal led to the authorization of renewed military operations.
Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
As the civilian toll continues to rise, international condemnation has been mounting. Netanyahu called on Palestinians to distance themselves from Hamas, urging civilians to move to safer areas. He stressed that every civilian casualty was a tragedy, but placed the blame squarely on Hamas.
The ongoing violence is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies due to the Israeli blockade. Despite efforts by regional and international mediators to revive ceasefire talks, the prospect of an immediate end to hostilities appears uncertain, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.
Conclusion
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with military operations continuing as Israel aims to eliminate Hamas. The humanitarian crisis is worsening as civilian casualties mount, and the prospects for peace seem increasingly distant.
