Why Israel launched dozens of attacks across Gaza?

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has broken down, leading to a major escalation in the 17-month-long conflict. On Tuesday, Israel launched numerous attacks across Gaza, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 400 deaths, including women and children.

The ceasefire, which began in mid-January, was part of a three-phase plan to de-escalate the war. However, disagreements over the next steps failed negotiations, and mounting political pressure led to unraveling. Several key factors contributed to the renewed violence.

The first phase of the ceasefire ended two weeks ago after Hamas returned 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. During this phase, Israeli forces withdrew to buffer zones inside Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to the northern part of the territory.

The second phase was supposed to include negotiations for a long-term ceasefire, Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of remaining hostages. However, Israel hesitated to engage in talks, arguing that Hamas was not showing enough flexibility.

Israeli pressure on Hamas through aid restrictions

During the initial ceasefire period, hundreds of aid trucks entered Gaza daily. But two weeks ago, Israel cut off food, medicine, fuel, and electricity to Gaza’s 2 million residents in an attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal.

Israel’s new plan called for Hamas to release half of its remaining hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire and further negotiations. Unlike the first phase, this proposal did not include the release of Palestinian prisoners, a significant problem point for Hamas. Hamas rejected the new terms.

Netanyahu’s political struggles and domestic pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under political pressure. He has faced mass protests over his handling of the hostage crisis and backlash over his decision to fire the head of Israel’s internal security agency.

Netanyahu is also facing pressure from his allies, who oppose any deal that doesn’t wholly dismantle Hamas. Resuming military action could help him maintain his fragile coalition. If he fails to pass a budget by the end of the month, his government could collapse, forcing early elections.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have condemned the Israeli strikes and hinted at renewed attacks on Red Sea shipping routes. The US recently launched airstrikes targeting the Houthis.

US support for Israel

The White House confirmed it had been consulted on Israel’s decision and expressed support for the military action.

Tensions with Hezbollah: A return to full-scale war in Gaza risks undermining the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hezbollah in November, which successfully halted cross-border violence with Lebanon.