Israel has justified its military actions by accusing Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release hostages and rejecting a ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. An Israeli military official stated that the airstrikes targeted mid-level Hamas commanders and officials, warning that the offensive would continue and potentially expand beyond aerial bombardments if deemed necessary.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz echoed this sentiment, vowing that the country would continue fighting "until all hostages are returned" and warning Hamas that "the rules of the game have changed".
The sudden resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation from both Arab and international communities. Many countries have issued statements denouncing Israel's decision to restart military operations, accusing it of undermining ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
The United Nations has also weighed in, with one coordinator describing the airstrikes as unjust and calling for an immediate return to the ceasefire. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed shock at the severity of the Israeli attacks, which he said have exacerbated the tragedy in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the airstrikes, urging Israel to halt its operations, return to the negotiating table, and open crossings to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
Hamas, the armed Palestinian resistance, has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of orchestrating a "coup" against the ceasefire that has been in place since January 19. In a statement, Hamas condemned the Israeli government for resuming what it called a "genocidal war" against the defenseless civilians of Gaza, accusing it of deliberately starving the population.
Hamas also rejected Israeli claims of preparations for an attack, describing them as baseless pretexts to justify the return to war. The group called on mediators to hold Netanyahu and the Israeli occupation fully responsible for violating the ceasefire agreement.
The United States, however, has placed the blame squarely on Hamas. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea stated that the U.S. supports Israel's actions, claiming that the airstrikes were conducted in coordination with Washington. This stance has drawn criticism from those who argue that the U.S. is complicit in the ongoing violence.
The international community, along with the Arab world, is unable to stop Israel's atrocities in Gaza out of fear of the consequences that could follow from the Trump administration. Over the last 75 years, the UN Security Council has done nothing to support the Palestinians in establishing freedom. Dozens of resolutions and hundreds of summits have never ended the occupation.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and broker a lasting peace. The escalating violence and humanitarian crisis underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the decades-long conflict, as innocent civilians bear the brunt of the ongoing hostilities.
Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
