Israel launched airstrikes overnight in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 400 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The strikes mark the deadliest bombardment of the territory since the current war started in October 2023 and could signal the full resumption of war just over two months after a temporary ceasefire-intended to be the first phase of a permanent cessation of hostilities-went into effect. (AP)
Our Take
It was clear from the moment that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was reached in January that it was fragile. But although there were times when it seemed like it may break, the truce held for longer than the initially planned six weeks. However, the first phase was always going to be the least painful one for both sides, with the concessions necessary for a temporary ceasefire more acceptable than those needed for a permanent one.
For Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, in particular, proceeding into the next planned phase of the ceasefire would have far greater domestic political repercussions than the first phase did. A permanent cessation of hostilities, and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, would require a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. But given that Israel has not achieved its stated goal of eradicating Hamas, doing so would mean accepting a status quo in which Hamas still plays a significant role in governing the territory. For the Israeli government, and especially the far-right factions Netanyahu now depends on for his political survival, that remains a nonstarter.
