The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has ended as Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Gaza after Hamas refused to release hostages. The airstrikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time on Tuesday (March 18), targeted Hamas commanders and infrastructure, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office stated that the decision to resume military action was made after Hamas repeatedly rejected proposals for hostage release presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as Qatari and Egyptian mediators. The ceasefire, brokered two months ago by the Biden administration with assistance from the incoming Trump administration, had temporarily paused the 17-month-long conflict.
The strikes targeted mid-level Hamas commanders, senior officials, and military infrastructure. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the military offensive would continue until all hostages are released and the war’s objectives are met.
Hamas, in turn, blamed Netanyahu and the Israeli government for the escalation, calling for international intervention to stop the military operations. The group insisted on the original ceasefire terms, which included Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages.
The IDF is prepared to intensify its actions against Hamas and expand beyond airstrikes if necessary.
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