Israel has resumed large-scale attacks against Hamas in the Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces have resumed major attacks in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip that were suspended during the ceasefire agreement. As reported on March 18 on the Telegram channel of the Israel Defense Forces, "in accordance with the decision of the political echelon, the IDF and the IDF are currently carrying out large-scale strikes on terrorist facilities belonging to the Hamas organization in the Gaza Strip." It was also announced that schools in Israeli cities bordering the Gaza Strip will remain closed for the next 24 hours.

Hamas and international relations

A senior Hamas official told Reuters that Israel had unilaterally canceled the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. The group called on the United States, Qatar and Egypt to hold Israel fully accountable for the breach of the agreement and to convene an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution forcing Israel to end the war.

Hamas officials, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, said the decision to resume Israeli military operations would "abandon" those held hostage by Hamas.

New casualties and destruction

The death toll from renewed Israeli strikes has risen to at least 130, The Times of Israel reported. At least 300 people, including several children, were injured, the report said. Buildings in the cities of Deir al-Bala, Gaza, Khan Yunis and Rafah were destroyed in the attacks.

Ceasefire Agreement and Its Violation

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect on January 19. The first phase of the agreement included the opening of a large-scale flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from densely populated areas, and the exchange of hostages for prisoners. The first phase expired in March, and Israel demanded an extension of the agreement rather than move on to the second phase. However, the violation of the agreement could lead to a further escalation of the war.

The official response of the international community to these events is still awaited. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”