Why has Israel bombed Gaza and what next for ceasefire deal?

Israel’s renewed bombardment of Gaza and the collapse of the ceasefire deal stem from unresolved disputes over hostage releases, conflicting interpretations of the truce’s terms, and broader geopolitical tensions. Below is an analysis of the situation and potential next steps:

Why Israel Bombed Gaza

1. Hostage Demands:
   Israel claims Hamas refused to release 59 remaining Israeli hostages (including soldiers and civilians) held in Gaza, despite earlier exchanges under the ceasefire. Netanyahu’s government framed the strikes as necessary to pressure Hamas into compliance167.
2. Rejection of U.S. Mediation:
   Hamas rejected the “Witkoff Plan” proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which sought to extend the truce through Ramadan and Passover in exchange for hostage releases. Hamas insisted on transitioning to permanent peace talks and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza479.
3. Military Escalation:
   Israel accused Hamas of rearming and preparing attacks, citing intelligence on militant activity. The IDF targeted Hamas infrastructure, including mid-level leaders and military sites68.
4. Domestic Politics:
   Critics argue Netanyahu’s decision to resume strikes distracts from his legal battles and coalition instability, particularly after the collapse of a key alliance with far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir69.

Ceasefire Deal Breakdown

The three-phase ceasefire agreement (January 19–March 17, 2025) faced critical failures:

Phase	Terms	Outcome
1st Phase	Hostage exchanges (33 Israelis released for ~2,000 Palestinians).	Partially implemented, but Israel blocked aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas49.
2nd Phase	Permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and remaining hostage releases.	Stalled due to Hamas’s demand for full Israeli exit and reconstruction79.
3rd Phase	Return of deceased hostages’ remains and Gaza’s reconstruction.	Never initiated.

Hamas accused Israel of breaching the deal by withholding aid and refusing to withdraw troops, while Israel cited Hamas’s refusal to release hostages as grounds for escalation147.

What Next for the Ceasefire?

1. Immediate Outlook:
   • Escalation Likely: Netanyahu vowed to use “increasing military strength,” and Hamas has not ruled out retaliation. The IDF continues strikes, while Hamas threatens to disrupt Israeli operations268.
   • Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza’s blockade has worsened shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, risking famine and water shortages46.
2. Diplomatic Efforts:
   • U.S. Role: The Trump administration backed Israel’s strikes, blaming Hamas for the breakdown. However, mediators (Egypt, Qatar, UN) may push for renewed talks17.
   • UN Intervention: The UN Security Council’s Resolution 2735 (2024) endorsed the ceasefire, but enforcement remains weak9.
3. Long-Term Challenges:
   • Permanent Settlement: Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal and Gaza’s reconstruction, while Israel seeks security guarantees. Without compromise, a lasting truce remains elusive79.
   • Political Will: Netanyahu’s domestic crises and Hamas’s internal divisions complicate negotiations69.

Conclusion

The collapse of the ceasefire reflects deep-seated mistrust and conflicting priorities. Israel’s strikes aim to pressure Hamas, while Hamas seeks leverage for a permanent resolution. As violence escalates, the humanitarian toll in Gaza grows, and international mediation faces an uphill battle to revive negotiations. A sustainable peace requires addressing core issues—hostages, aid, and governance—but the path forward remains fraught with obstacles.

Citations:

1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/18/world-reaction-to-israels-wave-of-deadly-attacks-on-gaza
2. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/18/israel-launches-gaza-assault-killing-hundreds-and-shattering-ceasefire
3. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-hundreds-palestinians-killed-israeli-strikes-gaza-rcna196842
4. https://news.sky.com/story/what-happened-to-the-israel-hamas-ceasefire-and-could-there-be-another-one-13331226
5. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-18/israel-say-it-s-launching-strikes-on-hamas-targets-in-gaza
6. https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/17/middleeast/israel-strikes-gaza-hamas-ceasefire-intl-hnk/index.html
7. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-conducts-strikes-hamas-targets-gaza-army-says-2025-03-18/
8. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/18/why-did-israel-break-the-ceasefire-in-gaza
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Gaza_war_ceasefire
10. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-launches-strikes-hamas-netanyahu/
11. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vy3k4dpz0o
12. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/17/israel-hamas-ceasefire-gaza-war-airstrikes/
13. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5klgv5zv0o
14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_2025_Israeli_attacks_on_the_Gaza_Strip

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