Missed ceasefire deadline sparks renewed violence in Gaza

JERUSALEM. Israeli warplanes and artillery launched attacks on the northern Gaza Strip early Sunday, killing eight people, according to Palestinian medics. The escalation occurred shortly after Israel and Hamas missed the deadline for a ceasefire that aimed to end one of the region’s deadliest conflicts in years.

The proposed truce was set to begin at 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT). Still, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the process, demanding a list of three hostages Hamas was set to release as part of the agreement. Netanyahu’s office stated, “The ceasefire will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide.”

Hamas responded, saying it remained committed to the ceasefire but cited “technical field reasons” for the delay in providing the list.

Rising Casualties Amid War

The Gaza war, which began on October 7, 2023, has caused devastating losses on both sides. The initial Hamas assault on Israel killed approximately 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities. In retaliation, Israel launched extensive military operations in Gaza, resulting in nearly 47,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza-based health authorities.

The violence has also inflamed tensions across the Middle East, with Israel confronting Iran-backed militant groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.

Renewed Strikes and Civilian Impact

Israeli military officials confirmed airstrikes and artillery attacks targeting what they described as “terror sites” in northern and central Gaza. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported at least eight fatalities, with dozens more wounded. Areas such as Zeitoun in Gaza City and Beit Hanoun faced heavy shelling, forcing residents to flee despite earlier hopes for a ceasefire.

In southern Gaza, residents of Khan Younis briefly celebrated when the ceasefire deadline passed, believing it had taken effect. However, reports of ongoing attacks soon dampened the optimism.

Hostage Negotiations at the Center

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., proposed a three-stage truce lasting six weeks. As part of the initial phase, Hamas was to release 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The first three hostages—female detainees—were scheduled for release on Sunday, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitating their handover.

However, Netanyahu’s last-minute insistence on receiving the hostage list delayed the process.

Uncertain Path Forward

While the truce aims to end the war, its future remains uncertain. Hamas, despite losing senior leaders and fighters, has retained significant control over Gaza. Israel has vowed to prevent the group’s resurgence and has cleared areas within Gaza, possibly to create a buffer zone for future military operations.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces intense criticism over the October 7 security lapse, Israel’s deadliest single-day attack in decades. The return of hostages could alleviate public anger, but his government continues to face scrutiny.

Broader Regional Impact

The war has sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East. Hezbollah in Lebanon has suffered heavy losses, including key leaders, while Iran’s network of militant allies—its so-called “Axis of Resistance”—has been severely weakened.

Internationally, Israel faces legal challenges at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, with allegations of war crimes and genocide drawing sharp condemnation. Netanyahu has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, accusing South Africa and other countries of antisemitism for backing the cases.

Despite the ceasefire’s potential to halt the violence, the path to lasting peace in Gaza and the broader region remains fraught with challenges.