IDF Resumes Military Operations in Gaza Following Ceasefire Collapse

Introduction

Israeli opinion

Largest Air Offensive Since January Truce as Israel Responds to Hamas’s Hostage Standoff

On March 17, 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a major wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, marking the most intense military escalation since the January ceasefire.

The Israeli government defended the decision to renew hostilities, pointing to Hamas’s refusal to release additional hostages and claims that the terror group was preparing for further attacks against Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that military operations would continue until Hamas’s leadership and military capabilities are severely weakened.

Reason for Ceasefire Collapse

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which had been in place since January 2025, collapsed due to Hamas’s refusal to release additional hostages and growing intelligence reports indicating that the group was preparing for further attacks.

Despite extensive diplomatic efforts by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and other international mediators to extend the truce, Hamas rejected proposals that would have facilitated hostage releases while maintaining a temporary peace.

Defending Israel’s decision to resume military operations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posed a direct question to the world: “What would you do if terrorists murdered and kidnapped your children? You would do what we are doing. In the face of pure evil, free societies have no choice but to fight.”

Strategic Offensive and Military Objectives

The IDF executed the attack solely through airpower, striking Hamas command centers, arms storage facilities, and underground tunnel networks.

Intelligence gathered during the ceasefire reportedly helped identify new Hamas strongholds, enabling a calculated assault aimed at crippling the group’s operational capacity.

According to Israeli defense officials, this campaign is intended to both weaken Hamas militarily and exert pressure for future hostage negotiations. The operation is considered the largest aerial assault against Hamas since Israel’s last major ground invasion in late 2024.

Resumption of Military Operations in Gaza

Following the breakdown of negotiations, the IDF launched a large-scale aerial campaign, marking the most intense military escalation since the January ceasefire.

Striking Hamas command centers, weapons storage facilities, and underground tunnel networks, the operation aims to cripple Hamas’s military infrastructure and exert pressure on the group to release hostages.

Israeli officials have stated that intelligence gathered during the ceasefire period provided critical insights into Hamas’s strongholds, allowing for a calculated offensive.

While the government maintains that the military action is necessary for national security, the escalation has reignited internal debates in Israel over the balance between military force and diplomatic efforts.

Ceasefire Breakdown and Global Response

The ceasefire collapsed after negotiations to extend the truce failed. Despite diplomatic efforts by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and other international mediators, Hamas rejected proposals that would have prolonged the ceasefire while securing the release of additional hostages. In response, Israel resumed military operations.

The international reaction to the renewed fighting has been mixed. The White House acknowledged being briefed ahead of the Israeli airstrikes, and President Trump reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense.

However, human rights organizations have condemned the high civilian casualties, urging immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation and avoid further humanitarian suffering.

Implications for Palestine, Israel, and the International Community

The renewed conflict carries significant consequences for all sides. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with aid organizations warning of severe shortages in medical supplies and basic necessities. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in mounting civilian casualties, raising international concern.

Within Israel, public opinion remains divided—while many support sustained military pressure to weaken Hamas, families of the 59 remaining hostages are urging the government to prioritize negotiations.

Globally, reactions are mixed; while the U.S. has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense, humanitarian organizations and several nations are calling for de-escalation.

As the situation unfolds, world leaders face increasing pressure to broker a resolution that balances security concerns with humanitarian needs.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains a central topic in the headlines, with various updates. In Israel, there are considerations regarding a significant reduction in the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, following changes in the American administration, with a political source expressing doubts about the continued volume of aid under the Trump administration.

On the other hand, reports indicate a significant increase in the amount of aid entering Gaza, with 104,000 tons in total in December, a 134% increase compared to November and October.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated that the change resulted from a decision by the political echelon.

However, there are reports that Hamas is looting part of the humanitarian aid, raising concerns that the aid is not always reaching its intended destination. The IDF is aware of this, but the aid continues to enter due to the need to maintain legitimacy.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains complex, with many challenges, and the international community continues to monitor and assist, but sustained efforts are needed to improve the situation.

Israeli Public Opinion: Hostage Crisis vs. Military Strategy

Within Israel, public opinion is deeply divided over the best course of action. According to a recent Israel Hayom poll, 68% of Israelis favor prioritizing hostage negotiations, while 53% endorse a forceful military strategy, aligning with Trump’s call for Hamas to release the captives or face destruction.

Families of the remaining 59 hostages continue to plead for their safe return. On Israel’s Remembrance Day, relatives of those killed in Hamas’s October 7 attack called on the government to do everything possible to bring back the remaining captives.

Ilan Weiss’s daughter, mourning her father, stated: “We all deserve a grave and a resting place for our loved ones.”

Meanwhile, Arab media suggests that Israeli airstrikes are part of a strategy to force Hamas into a partial hostage deal, compelling them to release captives while Israel retains the option of continuing military action.

Egyptian negotiators indicate that Israel seeks an initial deal without agreeing to a broader truce, keeping military leverage over Hamas.

While many Israelis support ongoing military pressure, concerns over Gaza’s worsening humanitarian situation and potential international repercussions are fueling a growing national debate on the most effective way forward.