Netanyahu Vows to Crush Hamas as Israel Resumes Strikes on Gaza
Netanyahu insists on negotiations solely while under pressure
The Israeli air force has unleashed a barrage of attacks on targets in Gaza, marking the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas following the end of a two-month ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a bold move, declared that "negotiations will only be conducted under fire."
According to figures from the health authority controlled by the Islamic Hamas, more than 400 people were killed, and hundreds more were injured during the night's fierce assault. The Israeli leader maintained that this was just the beginning and vowed to keep up the fight until all war goals are accomplished.
Netanyahu's ambitious objectives include the dismantling of Hamas, the return of hostages, and making sure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. He expressed empathy for the families of the unlucky hostages but implored military pressure as a prerequisite for their release.
Netanyahu's decision to step up the conflict is regarded as a strategic political maneuver aimed at cementing backing from his right-wing coalition. The government has been adamant about its demands, namely the dismantling of Hamas and the return of hostages, which led to stalled negotiations and the resumption of military action.
Interestingly, the Israeli Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the US assistance in the ongoing battle against the Houthis in Yemen. However, he warned of more challenges ahead as he alluded to Israel's battle against the "axis of evil," referring to the so-called "axis of resistance" of Iran, Israel's arch-nemesis.
- Keywords: Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas, Gaza, Conflict
Background Information:
- End of Ceasefire: The recent resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas is attributed to its refusal to return hostages taken on October 7, 2023, and its planning and alleged execution of terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians.[1]
- Political Motivations: Netanyahu's move can be seen as a tactical play to secure political support from his conservative coalition.[1]
- International Pressure: The ongoing conflict has led to increased international pressure for both parties to negotiate and end hostilities.[2]
- Hamas's Reaction: Despite military preparations, Hamas continues to seek diplomatic channels to bring the hostilities to an end.[1]
[1] "Israel resumes strikes in Gaza after Hamas rejects truce," Reuters, March 19, 2025.[2] "Israel and Hamas: A complex web of interests," BBC News, March 19, 2025.
- The European Union, with its external relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe at stake, has a responsibility to express its concern over the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, particularly given Benjamin Netanyahu's declared intention to conduct negotiations "under fire."
- Despite the two-month ceasefire having ended, Benjamin Netanyahu, in the midst of escalating tensions with Hamas, reiterated his vow to crush Hamas as he maintains Israel's military operations in Gaza, a situation that has been ongoing since the refusal of Hamas to return hostages taken in October 7, 2023, and their alleged execution of attacks against Israeli civilians.
- Netanyahu's strategic political maneuver, aimed at securing backing from his right-wing coalition, has led to the resumption of military action, a move that contrasts with Hamas's continued efforts to seek diplomatic channels to end their ongoing conflict with Israel.
