Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a renewed military escalation in Gaza on Tuesday, declaring that ceasefire negotiations will now occur \"only under fire\" as Israel intensifies its campaign against Hamas. This decision follows the collapse of a temporary truce that began in January, with Netanyahu vowing to \"eliminate Hamas\" and secure the release of hostages.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated, \"We have returned to fighting with full force. From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing intensity.\" He claimed the offensive was initiated after Hamas rejected Israeli and U.S. proposals to extend the initial ceasefire phase, which included demands for additional hostage releases.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed the operation is long-term, revealing U.S. officials under the Trump administration were briefed beforehand and offered support. The Israeli military reported over 400 casualties in Gaza after launching 80 airstrikes within 10 minutes early Tuesday.
Niu Xinchun, a professor at the China-Arab Research Institute of Ningxia University, told China Media Group that Israel's actions aim to weaken Hamas decisively while warning of potential ripple effects: \"The crisis in the Red Sea region will expand further following this strike.\"
The renewed violence raises questions about regional stability and humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with analysts monitoring implications for broader Middle East security dynamics.
