Hamas has condemned Israel’s recent wave of deadly air strikes on Gaza, accusing the Israeli government of unilaterally overturning the ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming his actions amount to abandoning the captives.
Israel launched a massive aerial assault on Gaza, marking its most intense military operation since the fragile two-month ceasefire began on January 19. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported at least 404 deaths and 562 injuries, with the strikes targeting multiple areas across Gaza.
Hamas’ Response
Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, stated that Israel’s actions effectively nullified the ceasefire. In a statement, the group accused Netanyahu and his government of “overturning the ceasefire agreement” and endangering the lives of prisoners in Gaza. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq further claimed that Netanyahu’s decision to resume hostilities was tantamount to sentencing the captives to death.
Israel’s Stance
Netanyahu’s office described the operation as open-ended, with plans to escalate military efforts. The Israeli government justified the strikes by citing Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and rejections of proposed agreements mediated by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. Moreover, Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to continue fighting until all hostages are returned and Israel’s war objectives are achieved.
U.S. Involvement
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel had consulted the Trump administration prior to the attacks. She reiterated President Trump’s stance that Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, and other groups threatening Israel or the U.S. would face severe consequences.
Families of Israeli Hostages
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing the families of captives in Gaza, expressed outrage at the government’s decision to attack, accusing it of abandoning efforts to secure their loved ones’ release. The group questioned why Israel had withdrawn from the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Yemen’s Houthi Rebels
Yemen’s Houthi movement condemned Israel’s actions and pledged to escalate support for Palestinians. Additionally, the group’s Supreme Political Council vowed to continue backing the Palestinian cause and intensify confrontational measures.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) accused Israel of deliberately undermining ceasefire efforts, further complicating the path to peace.
International Reactions
- China: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed deep concern, urging all parties to avoid actions that could worsen the situation and lead to a humanitarian crisis.
- Russia: The Kremlin warned of a dangerous escalation, emphasizing the high civilian casualties and calling for a return to peaceful negotiations.
- Egypt: Acting as a mediator alongside Qatar and the U.S., Egypt condemned the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire, warning of severe consequences for regional stability.
- Iran: Iran’s Foreign Ministry blamed the U.S. for enabling what it described as “genocide” in Palestinian territories.
- Jordan: Government spokesman Mohammed Momani denounced the “aggressive and barbaric” bombings, urging an immediate end to the violence.
- Turkey: Turkey accused Israel of pursuing a “policy of genocide” against Palestinians, warning that its actions threatened the future of the Middle East.
- Belgium: Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned the strikes and Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, calling it a violation of international law.
- Netherlands: Foreign Minister Casper Veldkamp urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire terms, protect civilians, and ensure the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid.
- Norway: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store described the strikes as a tragedy for Gaza’s vulnerable population, many of whom are living in dire conditions.
United Nations
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed horror at the strikes, warning that further military action would deepen the suffering of Palestinians already enduring catastrophic conditions. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), condemned the attacks, describing scenes of civilian casualties, including children, and warning that resuming the war would only bring more despair.
The international community continues to call for de-escalation, emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilians and restore peace in the region.
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