As Israeli airstrikes continue pounding Gaza, Hamas has signaled its willingness to return to negotiations—but only under the original ceasefire terms. The latest bombardments, described as the deadliest since the truce took effect in January, have left over 400 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
On Wednesday, Israel launched fresh air raids, killing at least 13 people, just a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the strikes were “only the beginning.”
International outcry has intensified, with the United Nations and several global leaders condemning the high civilian death toll. Meanwhile, Hamas insists that negotiations can only proceed if Israel halts its offensive.
“Hamas has not closed the door on negotiations,” said spokesperson Taher al-Nunu. “But we will not renegotiate an agreement that was already signed. The occupation must immediately stop its aggression and commit to the second phase of talks.”
The fragile ceasefire, which expired in early March, was originally designed to lead to a permanent truce and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israel and the United States have been pushing for an extension of stage one instead—something Hamas has outright rejected, demanding full adherence to the original terms.
Netanyahu: ‘This is Only the Beginning’
Israel insists the renewed assault is a response to Hamas’s refusal to release more hostages. Netanyahu’s office stated that military action will continue until progress is made on this front.
“Negotiations will now take place only under fire,” the Israeli leader said in a televised address. “Military pressure is essential for the release of additional hostages. Hamas has felt our strength in the past 24 hours—and this is only the beginning.”
The White House confirmed that Israel had consulted President Trump’s administration before launching the strikes, while Israel stated that the offensive was “fully coordinated” with Washington.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
With hospitals in Gaza already overwhelmed, the latest bombardments have pushed medical facilities beyond breaking point. UNICEF and other aid organizations have warned of a worsening humanitarian disaster, as thousands flee their homes in response to Israeli evacuation orders.
“Today, Gaza feels like hell,” said Jihan Nahhal, a 43-year-old resident. “The explosions were massive—just like the first day of the war.”
According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 413 bodies have been recovered, with more feared trapped under the rubble.
Global Condemnation
Governments across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond have called for an immediate halt to the violence. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that Israel’s renewed attacks were “shattering the tangible hopes of so many Israelis and Palestinians for an end to suffering.”
Egypt and Qatar, key brokers of the initial ceasefire, strongly condemned Israel’s decision to return to military action. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi accused Israel of deliberately trying to make Gaza “uninhabitable” and forcing Palestinians into displacement.
Meanwhile, the war has reshaped Israel’s political landscape. Netanyahu’s decision to resume hostilities has brought the far-right Otzma Yehudit party back into his ruling coalition, with its leader, Itamar Ben Gvir, reinstated as national security minister.
The war, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. While Israel reported 1,218 casualties—mostly civilians—on its side, retaliatory strikes on Gaza have killed over 48,500 people, the majority of them civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
With no clear path to de-escalation, fears of a prolonged and deadlier phase of conflict are growing, as both sides refuse to back down.
