Israel launched a series of attacks against Hamas in Gaza, threatening a return to war after a breakdown in talks to release the remaining hostages - WSJ

Israel launched a series of attacks against Hamas in Gaza, threatening a return to war after a breakdown in talks to release the remaining hostages - WSJ

Israel's defense minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's close associate, Israel Katz, announced on March 17, 2025, that Israel had "resumed fighting" in the Gaza Strip [1]. This sudden escalation followed a breakdown in negotiations to release the remaining hostages, prompting concerns of a return to war after a fragile ceasefire took effect in January [1][2].

According to the Associated Press, at least 44 individuals lost their lives in the latest wave of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip [1]. Israel claimed to be targeting Hamas, a militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, and vowed to continue the offensive until all hostages were released and "war goals" were achieved [1].

The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that Hamas had repeatedly refused to release the hostages and rejected all offers made by the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and mediators [1]. Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, criticized the Israeli attacks and called for international intervention to end the aggression [1].

The renewed hostilities came two months after a ceasefire was brokered to halt the war. During the ceasefire, Hamas released approximately three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners [2]. However, since the initial release, there has been no progress in negotiations to extend the ceasefire or release the remaining hostages.

The international community, including the United Nations and various European nations, has expressed concern over the escalating violence and called for both sides to return to the negotiating table [3].

References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, March 17). Israel resumes Gaza airstrikes, vowing to press on until hostages freed. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-03-17-2025-b8753b9458a44f10ab08aa9b12582780
[2] The New York Times. (2025, March 17). Israeli Forces Strike Gaza Strip, Escalating Tensions. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-airstrikes.html
[3] Reuters. (2025, March 17). Israel and Hamas trade blame as Gaza hostilities resume. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-gaza-2025-03-17/