Introduction
In the early hours of March 18th, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in a wave of airstrikes, marking a return to full-scale war. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed a relentless bombing campaign across the Gaza Strip, reminiscent of the early days of their offensive in late 2023. With over 400 confirmed deaths at the time of writing and hospitals overwhelmed, the prospect of peace has never seemed further away.
Dubbed Operation Might and Sword, the IDF’s attack came as many Gazans were awake for Sahur, the pre-dawn meal before fasting during Ramadan. This sudden return to violence has not only devastated an already struggling population but has also drawn sharp international condemnation.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of what happened, why it happened, and what comes next in the escalating conflict.
The Attack: A Night of Devastation
Relentless Bombing Campaign
At around 2:20 AM local time, Israeli warplanes struck at least 35 targets across Gaza, from Gaza City in the north to Rafah in the south. Eyewitnesses reported near-continuous explosions, lasting hours in multiple locations.
According to the IDF, the strikes targeted Hamas commanders, weapons depots, and operational infrastructure. A joint statement with Israel’s intelligence agency, Shin Bet, claimed:
“The targets struck over the past few hours include terrorist cells, launch posts, weapons stockpiles, and additional military infrastructure used by these terror organizations to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.”
However, reports from Gaza paint a different picture. Palestinian civil authorities report residential neighborhoods, refugee camps, and hospitals were among the hardest hit. Entire families were wiped out, with hospitals reporting the majority of casualties to be women, children, and the elderly.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
At the time of writing:
- 404 people have been confirmed dead
- 560+ wounded
- Hospitals are at full capacity and struggling to treat the injured
- Several residential buildings have been completely destroyed
One of the most tragic incidents was the killing of 17 members of a single family, including eight children, as reported by the European Hospital in Gaza. In another case, 27 people from one family were killed.
Dr. Tanya Hassan, speaking to the Associated Press, described the situation:
“There were probably three men. The rest were all children, women, elderly—everybody caught in their sleep, still wrapped in blankets. Terrifying.”
Among the notable deaths:
- Essim Adeliz, acting head of the Hamas government
- Ahmed Al-Hetta, Gaza’s deputy minister of justice
- Mahmoud Abua, head of Hamas-led security services
- A spokesperson from Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Despite IDF claims of preemptive action, the overwhelming civilian casualties have drawn sharp international backlash.
Why the Ceasefire Collapsed
A Fragile Truce on Borrowed Time
Since January, it was widely understood that the ceasefire was not built to last. The truce, which initially facilitated the exchange of 38 hostages for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, was intended as a first step toward a broader deal. However, negotiations for a second phase stalled, with both sides refusing to compromise.
Key sticking points:
- Israel wanted Hamas to release half of its remaining hostages before discussing a permanent ceasefire.
- Hamas insisted on full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before releasing all hostages.
- Israel increased pressure by cutting off humanitarian aid, water, and electricity.
With both sides expecting a return to war, Israel decided to strike first.
Netanyahu’s Political Calculations
Beyond strategic concerns, domestic Israeli politics played a major role in the timing of this attack.
- Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to testify in his corruption trial on March 18. However, after launching the airstrikes, he successfully petitioned to have his testimony postponed.
- Two days before the attack, Netanyahu fired Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, a move widely seen as an attempt to consolidate power.
- The war’s renewal also brought far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir back into Netanyahu’s political coalition, strengthening his government.
Israeli opposition leader Moshe Yaalon accused Netanyahu of using the war to distract from corruption scandals and internal political battles.
International Reactions: Global Condemnation
The renewed Israeli offensive has been met with widespread international condemnation, even from Israel’s usual allies.
Supporting Israel’s Actions:
- United States (Trump administration): Explicitly approved the strikes and blamed Hamas for the breakdown of the ceasefire.
- Far-right Israeli politicians: Called the campaign necessary and even demanded further escalation.
Condemning the Attack:
- France: Denounced the civilian death toll and warned that Israel was “compromising efforts to free hostages.”
- United Kingdom: Called the strikes “appalling” and urged a return to negotiations.
- Saudi Arabia & Egypt: Described the attack as a dangerous escalation.
- Turkey: Referred to Israel’s actions as “a new phase in its policy of genocide.”
- Jordan: Labeled the bombing as “aggressive and barbaric.”
Within Israel, hostage advocacy groups also condemned Netanyahu, accusing him of “abandoning” the hostages by resuming the war.
What Happens Next?
- Further Israeli military operations: The IDF has issued new evacuation orders and will likely launch ground offensives in northern and southeastern Gaza.
- Hostage executions? Hamas has not yet retaliated militarily, leading to speculation that it may instead kill Israeli hostages in response.
- A wider war? Yemen’s Houthi rebels have already resumed attacks on Israeli targets, and further escalations from Iran, Hezbollah, or Syria remain possible.
For now, the only certainty is that this war is far from over—and the worst may still be ahead.
FAQs
1. Why did Israel strike first?
Israel claimed it had intelligence that Hamas was planning imminent attacks. However, no concrete proof has been presented. Many believe Israel wanted to force Hamas into unfavorable negotiating terms before the ceasefire expired.
2. How many hostages are still in Gaza?
Hamas is holding 59 hostages, though only 24 are believed to be alive.
3. Could this war expand beyond Gaza?
Yes. With Houthi rebels already attacking Israel and tensions rising with Iran and Hezbollah, a regional war remains a serious risk.
4. What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
With no electricity, water, or medical supplies, hospitals are overwhelmed, and famine is a growing concern.
5. Can another ceasefire be negotiated?
At this moment, neither Israel nor Hamas seem interested in returning to talks. However, international pressure may force diplomacy back onto the table.
