A series of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians early Tuesday. This marked a significant turning point in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to exit a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that had been in place since January. The Israeli leader has been navigating complex pressures between securing the return of hostages and satisfying demands from his far-right coalition partners to continue military operations against Hamas. On Tuesday, Netanyahu aligned with the latter, a choice endorsed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who supported Israel’s move to unilaterally abandon the ceasefire which had previously been credited to U.S. diplomacy.
Official narratives from both Israel and the United States blame Hamas for the collapse of peace efforts, citing the group’s unwillingness to release more hostages before negotiating an end to hostilities — a demand outside the original ceasefire terms. Israel has also accused Hamas of gearing up for further attacks, although evidence for such claims remains undisclosed. Hamas, which has not yet retaliated against the Israeli strikes, has consistently called for negotiations on the ceasefire’s second phase. This phase entails the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a long-lasting cease-fire. These discussions were to commence in early February; however, their likelihood is now uncertain.
The ceasefire agreement reached in January came with immense diplomatic pressure from both outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations. It aimed for a phased cessation of conflict, focusing initially on the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the return of eight bodies in exchange for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces then retreated, enabling hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return home amid increased humanitarian aid flows. Despite mutual accusations of breaches, the truce largely held.
However, doubts persisted regarding the feasibility of subsequent phases. Netanyahu continually expressed skepticism about the possibility of a peace that did not involve the total dismantlement of Hamas’s military and governing structures. Publicly, he conveyed an uncompromising stance, advocating for the obliteration of Hamas as essential to any permanent ceasefire. On the eve of the agreement, he emphasized Israel’s right to resume military action if necessary, supported by the United States.
Politically, adhering to a permanent ceasefire presented Netanyahu with significant challenges that threatened his extended tenure as leader. Far-right coalition members, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, had signaled intentions to withdraw support should the government proceed with peace initiatives instead of military action. Although Netanyahu could count on some opposition parties for agreements returning hostages, a weakened coalition could lead to potential elections.
By recommencing hostilities, Netanyahu maintained the backing of influential far-right partners, fortifying his coalition despite its previous divisions over peace efforts. Critics contend that sticking with the ceasefire would have hindered the declared goal of neutralizing Hamas, as the group withstood almost 15 months of intense Israeli bombardments. Even a hypothetical Western-backed Palestinian Authority in Gaza may face challenges undermining Hamas’ influence and military resurgence capabilities.
Following the truce’s first phase, Netanyahu endorsed a new U.S. proposal involving Hamas releasing half of the remaining captives in exchange for extending the ceasefire while planning for eventual peace discussions. Hamas rejected this plan, as it differed from previous agreements, and continued to advocate for immediate talks. Offers to release some hostages, perceived as tactical strategy by Israel, were dismissed.
In an effort to coerce compliance, Israel halted humanitarian supplies and cut essential services like electricity, exacerbating conditions in Gaza. Following increased military strikes, a significant operation began early Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest since the conflict’s onset.
President Trump, having initially taken credit for the January ceasefire, has since expressed skepticism, calling for immediate hostage releases and suggesting that the situation remains under Israel’s purview. Further, Trump proposed resettling Gaza’s population to facilitate U.S. development of the area, a plan facing broad international criticism.
The Israeli strikes were reportedly undertaken with prior U.S. consultation, finding support from the current administration.