The recent Israeli airstrikes that killed hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza marked the culmination of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to exit the ceasefire agreement with Hamas that was negotiated in January.
Since the start of the war, Netanyahu has faced two conflicting pressures: families of Israeli hostages pushing for negotiations with Hamas, and his far-right coalition partners demanding an all-out military campaign to eliminate the militant group. On Tuesday, Netanyahu chose the latter—a decision backed by the Trump administration.
Israel and the United States have blamed Hamas for the breakdown of the ceasefire, accusing it of refusing to release additional hostages before further peace talks. However, Hamas denies these allegations, stating that it had been committed to negotiating the second phase of the ceasefire, which called for hostage exchanges, an Israeli military withdrawal, and a lasting truce.
What Did the Ceasefire Agreement Entail?
The ceasefire deal, brokered under pressure from the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump team, aimed to secure the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack and ultimately bring the war to an end.
The first phase, which lasted from January 19 to March 1, saw Hamas release 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists. During this period, Israeli forces pulled back to a buffer zone, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to the ruins of their homes, and humanitarian aid increased. However, sporadic violence continued, with Israeli strikes targeting suspected militants.
The second phase was always expected to be far more difficult. Throughout months of negotiations, Netanyahu expressed skepticism, reiterating that Israel’s goal remained the elimination of Hamas’ military and governing infrastructure.
Political Considerations Behind Netanyahu’s Move
Agreeing to a permanent ceasefire could have triggered a political crisis for Netanyahu, potentially ending his nearly 15-year tenure. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had threatened to withdraw from the coalition if Netanyahu proceeded to Phase 2 instead of resuming the offensive.
By restarting military operations, Netanyahu solidified Smotrich’s support and regained ultranationalist leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose party had abandoned the government in January over the ceasefire but rejoined following Tuesday’s airstrikes.
Beyond political survival, Netanyahu’s long-standing objective of eradicating Hamas would have been difficult under the ceasefire. Despite enduring 15 months of relentless bombardment that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, Hamas retained power in Gaza and maintained control over key areas.
How Netanyahu Ended the Ceasefire
After the first phase concluded, Netanyahu announced Israel’s approval of a revised U.S.-backed deal requiring Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for a seven-week extension of the truce and a commitment to discuss a long-term resolution. Hamas rejected the offer, insisting it deviated from the original January agreement and demanding immediate Phase 2 negotiations.
Israel responded by cutting off humanitarian aid, electricity, and maintaining its military presence at strategic points along Gaza’s border with Egypt. Escalating airstrikes followed, with Israel claiming to target Hamas operatives while Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.
Trump’s Position on the Conflict
Trump, who initially took credit for brokering the ceasefire, later expressed frustration, warning that “all hell” would break loose if Hamas refused to release the hostages. He even proposed relocating Gaza’s two million residents and turning the region into a U.S.-controlled tourist destination—an idea welcomed by Netanyahu but condemned by the international community as a violation of international law.
The White House confirmed it was consulted before Tuesday’s strikes and supported Israel’s actions.
With the ceasefire officially abandoned, any hopes for a peaceful resolution remain bleak.