Israeli warplanes and artillery launched heavy attacks on Gaza on Sunday, targeting the northern areas of the strip. Palestinian medics confirmed eight people were killed in the strikes. The violence erupted shortly after a missed ceasefire deadline, which was meant to halt the region’s most devastating conflict in years.
Ceasefire delayed
The ceasefire delay stirred fresh tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Hamas release the names of three hostages due to be freed as part of the agreement. This demand came just an hour before the 0630 GMT deadline. Without the list, Netanyahu instructed Israeli forces to keep attacking.
Hamas responded, saying it remained committed to the ceasefire. However, it cited unspecified “technical field reasons” for not providing the names yet.
Escalating conflict
The ongoing war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities. In retaliation, Israeli forces devastated Gaza, leaving nearly 47,000 Palestinians dead, Gaza health officials reported. The violence also reignited regional tensions between Israel and Iran, which supports Hamas and other anti-Israeli groups.
Israeli military spokespeople described the recent air and artillery strikes as targeting “terror sites” in northern and central Gaza. Tanks fired in the Zeitoun area of Gaza City, while airstrikes hit Beit Hanoun, forcing residents to flee yet again. Medics reported dozens of injuries.
In southern Israel, an air raid siren near Sderot turned out to be a false alarm. Meanwhile, in Khan Younis, cheers briefly erupted when the ceasefire deadline passed, although fighting soon resumed.
Hostages and prisoners
The ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., included a three-stage agreement. In the first six weeks, Hamas would release 33 of the remaining 98 hostages, prioritizing women, children, and older men. In exchange, Israel would release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including teenagers and militants convicted of fatal attacks.
Netanyahu demanded the names of three female hostages due for release first. Hamas called the delay technical and promised the list would come soon. According to the plan, hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross at designated locations inside Gaza.
Uncertain future
Despite the ceasefire’s promise, the situation remains fragile. Questions loom about Gaza’s future, especially given the extensive destruction. Rebuilding the enclave will take billions of dollars and years of effort. The ceasefire aims to end the war but could easily collapse without broader agreements.
Israel insists it won’t allow Hamas to return to power. Large stretches of Gaza have already been cleared, with analysts suggesting Israel might create a buffer zone for easier military operations.
Regional Shockwaves
The war’s impact spread far beyond Gaza. Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon clashed with Israeli forces, but its missile arsenal and infrastructure were largely destroyed. Iran’s long-established “Axis of Resistance” suffered heavy blows, significantly weakening its position in the region.
Diplomatic fallout followed. Israel faced widespread condemnation for the devastation in Gaza. Netanyahu now confronts international legal challenges, including potential war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court. Israel dismissed the accusations, calling them politically motivated.
Public pressure
In Israel, public anger over the October 7 attacks and the government’s handling of the war continues to grow. The return of hostages could offer some relief to Netanyahu’s embattled government, but the broader political and military challenges remain daunting.
The situation remains volatile, with peace hanging by a thread. Both sides face mounting pressure to uphold the fragile ceasefire, though the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty.
