Israeli leaders say future ceasefire negotiations will “take only under fire.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the waves of air that killed hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza killed overnight.
In a speech aired Tuesday evening, Netanyahu said Israeli forces will hit Hamas with “increasing power,” and that future ceasefire negotiations will “take only under fire.”
“Hamas has already felt the weight of our strength over the last 24 hours, and I would like to assure you and them.
“We will continue to fight to achieve all the goals of the war, the release of all hostages, the removal of Hamas, and the promise that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”
Netanyahu’s rebellious remarks came after Israel’s fatal attack across Gaza shattered a fragile ceasefire with Hamas, which began on January 19th.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the airstrikes have killed at least 404 Palestinians, many of whom have killed children and injured more than 560 others.
The attack targeted a wide range of Gaza belts, including central regions like Khan Yunis and Rafa in the south, Gaza City in the north, and Deia El Bala, and in the process wiped out the whole family.
Consultations in the second phase of the Israeli Hamas ceasefire agreement claim that the remaining 60 Hamas prisoners have been released, a permanent ceasefire is set up, and the first phase will be extended until mid-April.
Israel rejected Hamas’ offer to release the bodies of four dead prisoners last week in exchange for the end of the Israeli blockade imposed earlier this month.
Hamas has released around 30 prisoners in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners since the start of the ceasefire, since March 1, when the first phase of the six-week period expired.
Before the Israeli attack, Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy to President Donald Trump, had sought a ceasefire to suggest a “bridge” over Ramadan and Passover.
Under this proposal, Hamas had released additional live prisoners in exchange for prisoners, but the sides worked on a framework for a permanent ceasefire.
In his speech on Tuesday, Netanyahu blamed the lack of progress in his meeting with Hamas.
“Israel accepted the offer of President Trump’s special mission, Steve Witkov, but Hamas completely refused to do so,” Netanyahu said. “This is why we allowed the military action to be updated yesterday against Hamas.”
Netanyahu also accused Hamas of being responsible for “all unintended victims” in Gaza.
“Palestinian civilians should avoid contact with Hamas terrorists, and I will call the people of Gaza to ensure they do not harm them,” he said.
“We’re moving to safer areas, because all civilian casualties are tragedy and all civilian casualties are Hamas’ fault.”
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