Latest Escalation: Israeli Military Assault on Gaza Strip
Background
- Military operations resume in Gaza as Israeli forces strike target locations.
Recent escalation of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip started on March 18, 2025, following a collapse in ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas. A three-step ceasefire agreement had been struck in January 2025, but disputes over its implementation led to an impasse. Israel denied withdrawal from specific locations in Gaza as per the agreement terms and restricted vital supplies like food and medicine, fueling the conflict's intensity [1].
Motives
Israel asserted that the strikes were prompted by the cessation of ceasefire talks and Hamas's belligerence in releasing hostages and disregard for peace proposals put forward by the US President's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and mediators [1].
Death Toll
Reports indicate over 50 Palestinians have perished, and many more have been injured due to the brutal air strikes, marking Israel's most significant strike on the Gaza Strip since the truce began [1].
Response from Hamas
Hamas denounced the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of breaking the ceasefire agreement, putting hostages' lives at risk [1].
Advance Notice to US
Speculation suggests that President Donald Trump was informed ahead of the air strikes. A White House representative confirmed this in a conversation with US broadcaster, Fox News [1].
US Warning to Hamas
Two weeks prior, Trump issued an "ultimate final warning" to Hamas via his Truth Social platform, demanding immediate release of all Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, as well as the delivery of remains of slain Israelis. Subsequently, the Israeli military announced it would amplify its force against Hamas [1].
Current Status
The crisis remains tense, with daily military operations underway in the Gaza Strip, and an agreement on extending the ceasefire remains elusive [1].
Keywords
- Israel
- Gaza Strip
- Gaza
- Hamas
- Middle East
- Ceasefire
- Military
[1] Enrichment Data
- The Commission, amidst the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the possibility of increased radiation levels due to military operations.
- Despite the current escalation in Gaza, both Israel and Hamas agreed to resume ceasefire negotiations, with the hope of averting further breaching of the ceasefire agreement.
- Confirmation was issued by the White House that President Donald Trump was informed ahead of the resuming of air strikes on Gaza, although no official statement was made regarding any involvement or support in the operation.
