Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement published Tuesday that the preceding overnight airstrikes on Gaza were “just the beginning” and that “negotiations will continue only under fire.”
This is the largest offensive since the ceasefire came into effect on January 19 and has killed more than 400 people and injured hundreds more, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
Negotiations stalled during the first stage of the ceasefire agreement, which expired in early March. The second stage would have seen Israeli troops pull out of Gaza and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire. However, stage two negotiations were delayed when the U.S. and Israel sought to extend stage one by demanding the release of more hostages.
Israel has vowed to continue fighting until they have secured the release of all remaining hostages and eliminated Hamas. Hamas has not responded militarily and released a statement calling on their allies to ask the U.S. to de-escalate the situation.
Israel had consulted with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration before launching the airstrikes. U.S. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said that by rejecting their proposal, Hamas takes responsibility for the resumption of hostilities.
The United Nations and countries around the world have condemned the attacks. A group representing the families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, who are fearful of retaliation toward their loved ones as a result of the strike, has been protesting outside the Israeli parliament.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military offensive that has killed 48,500 Palestinians and laid waste to Gaza’s homes and critical infrastructure. According to Israel, Hamas still holds 59 Israeli hostages.