CEASEFIRE COLLAPSES! ISRAEL STRIKES GAZA!

Right, so the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which had so many failed attempts before finally a plan that was accepted by both sides, even if Donald Trump was the one who eventually forced Benjamin Netanyahu into it so he could milk it has effectively been shattered as Israel has resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip. This escalation, marked by airstrikes, ground assaults, and a blockade on humanitarian aid, has drawn widespread condemnation both inside and outside Israel another escalation caused by Netanyahu, with help from the US to change the terms of the ceasefire ahead of moving to the next phase. Rather than moving to the second phase of ceasefire talks, as initially agreed, Israel has chosen to return to atrocity, seemingly to force their desired new agenda of an extension to the ceasefire on their own terms and Hamas have said no. This decision, driven as all decisions have been by the political and very much personal agenda of Benjamin Netanyahu and aided in this as usual by US interference, has not only undermined the peace process yet again but also exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The international community, including many Arab nations, have condemned Israel’s actions, while Hamas has rejected the altered terms of the ceasefire, insisting on the original agreement both sides had signed up to. It is the last thing anyone wanted to see, but it’s also seemed for too long to have been a foregone conclusion we would end up back in this situation again.
Right, so he ceasefire in Gaza, which for so long seemed utterly unachievable and was therefore hailed as a significant step towards de-escalation and humanitarian relief for Gaza has it would appear all but collapsed. The first phase of the agreement included a temporary halt to hostilities, the release of hostages on both sides, and the delivery of humanitarian aid which we have seen, though not nearly enough of the right aid, yet regardless of that has been a success. The second phase, which was supposed to follow, aimed to address broader issues such as Israel leaving Gaza completely, the beginning of reconstruction efforts, the release of all remaining hostages and long-term peace negotiations to make this ceasefire permanent. We knew that Benjamin Netanyahu could never agree to phase two though, the certain demise of his premiership as that would have brought, the threats from the hard right of his coalition on that and therefore as the first phase expired, no agreement to enter phase two or extend phase one with all new demands from Israel being acceptable, Israel has resumed its military attacks, effectively ending the ceasefire by their design.
Israel’s decision to return to violence may be a calculated move to pressure Hamas into accepting an extension of the ceasefire on terms favourable to Israel, including the release of all remaining hostages and thereby losing Hamas any leverage, as crass a way of putting it as that might be, to force Israel to enter phase two. By escalating the conflict, Israel is seeking to strengthen its bargaining position and force Hamas to concede to these new demands. This strategy, however, has backfired, as Hamas has refused to accept the altered terms and insists on moving to the second phase of the talks as originally agreed.
This is not just an implosion between Israel and Hamas though, as further US interference has played it’s part here too. The US have supposedly been mediators in this genocide by Israel on the people of Gaza, but the pro Israel bias of the Trump administration is no secret, nothing really changing from the previous Biden administration on that score. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff brought forward proposals for a 42 days phase one ceasefire extension, completely contrary to the original deal, which was everything Israel wanted and nobody else, effectively altering the terms of the original agreement. Hamas said no, so Israel stopped all aid into Gaza, but I’ll come back to that point n a moment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political agenda also plays a significant role in the escalation. Facing domestic pressure and a fragile coalition government, Netanyahu has used the conflict to consolidate his position and divert attention from internal issues. By resuming military operations, Netanyahu aims to project strength and demonstrate his commitment to Israel’s security. However, this strategy has drawn criticism even within Israel, with some politicians and analysts arguing that the return to violence is counterproductive and risks further destabilisation. An excerpt from The Cradle citing Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid stating:
‘"The prisoner exchange deal has been halted. Humanitarian aid to Gaza has been stopped. The government has approved the mobilization of 400,000 reserve soldiers. What is the goal? What objective has Israel set for itself? Has the government decided to abandon the prisoners, and if so, why? For what greater national purpose? If we return to war, what is the objective of the war? Who will replace Hamas in the end?” Lapid said.
“Once again, the government is acting without a plan, without a vision. We can only hope things turn out okay—because that seems to be the extent of their planning."’
Obviously the resumption of hostilities has had devastating consequences for the people of Gaza. Israel’s decision to block all humanitarian aid entering the Strip has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation. Aid organizations have warned that the blockade is leading to starvation again, with essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel running critically low amidst a return to panic and hoarding of supplies. The use of starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime, but when Israel never get held accountable, why should they care. International law only ever applies to others.
In addition to blocking aid, Israel has announced plans to cut off electricity and water supplies to Gaza, further compounding the humanitarian crisis and seeing Israel returning to measures of collective punishment as we saw them use before, again a war crime, and again these plans have been criticized as violations of international law and human rights.
But in a sign that the ceasefire is at this point to all intents and purposes over, one of the most alarming developments has been a renewed Israeli assault on Rafah. An overnight attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least three people, has been widely condemned as a violation of the ceasefire and an act of aggression.
One nurse in the area said the attacks, which have gone on throughout the day, had killed at least three people and wounded six others. Several had been shot by quadcopter drones and others by tank fire.
Further to this attack an Al-Mayadeen correspondent has reported that
Israeli army vehicles have been firing at Al-Farahin neighbourhood in the town of Abasan Al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip.
Another report has stated that at least two Palestinians have been injured after being targeted by an Israeli drone in the Al-Shaaf area in Gaza City and further injuries amongst innocent Palestinian civilians have been reported following an Israeli airstrike on the Mawasi Khan Younis area in southern Gaza, in yet another new breach of the ceasefire agreement.
The collapse of the Gaza ceasefire and the resumption of Israeli military operations represent a significant setback for the peace process and a humanitarian disaster for the people of Gaza. Israel’s decision to return to violence, driven by political motives, Netanyahu’s own self serving interests and influenced by US interference, has undermined the prospects for a lasting resolution and exacerbated the suffering of civilians and the blame must be apportioned exactly where it should be and if you’re still in doubt as to who that is, Bezalel Smotrich ought to remove all doubt:
‘"The decision we made last night to completely halt the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza until Hamas is destroyed or surrenders completely and all our hostages are returned is an important step in the right direction— ‘standing at the gates of hell,’” said Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
“Now, we must open these gates as quickly and as lethally as possible against the cruel enemy until absolute victory,” he added.’
Add to that the comments made by the Knesset Speaker Nissim Vaturi as well:
‘After Israel announced the halt of aid to Gaza, Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Nissim Vaturi publicly called for bombing food supplies in the besieged enclave:
"Have the gates of hell opened? Bomb the food supplies that have already been brought into Gaza, today!"’
The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions, its renewed war crimes, it’s renewed acts of genocide and demand an immediate end to the blockade and the resumption of humanitarian aid.
The use of starvation, electricity cuts, and water shortages as weapons of war is a violation of international law and human rights and Israel is subject to those equally the same as any other nation should be. That they are not being held to account is an international failure that has already gone on too long. The people of Gaza deserve justice, peace, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
For more on the blockade of humanitarian aid and the retaliation Netanyahu is inviting on himself and Israel particularly from their immediate neighbours, you can get all the details of that story in this video recommendation here as your suggested next watch. Please do also hit like, share and subscribe before you do so though, so as to ensure you don’t miss out on all new daily content as well as help support the channel at the same time which is very much appreciated and I will hopefully catch you on the next vid. Cheers folks.