The Israel-Hamas ceasefire which began on 19 January 2025, has officially collapsed as Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza on 18 March 2025. This marks a major escalation in a conflict with both sides accusing each other for the breakdown of talks.
Timeline of the Ceasefire Breakdown
19 January: Ceasefire was brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar. It called for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
February: Tensions soared high as Israel accused Hamas of violating ceasefire by refusing to release remaining hostages and rebuilding its military capacity, while Hamas denied the accusations.
17 March: Israeli intelligence reports indicated Hamas was planning to launch another large-scale attack similar to 7 Oct 2023 attack.
18 March: Israel launches airstrikes across Gaza, resulting in 400 casualties including key Hamas leaders – Mahmud Abu Watfa and Bahjat Abu Sultan.
What led to the collapse of ceasefire?
- Hostage Stalemate: Israel accused Hamas of refusing to release additional hostages, a critical factor in maintaining the ceasefire.
- Rising Political Pressure: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense pressure and conflicting demands from far-right coalition to resume fighting and also from families for renewed focus on releasing the hostages.
- Military build-up: Israeli intelligence reports indicated that Hamas was planning to launch another large-scale attack.
What’s Next?
Israeli PM Netanyahu has indicated that the “This is just the beginning” and the talks on ceasefire will only happen “under fire”. This demonstrates that the conflict is further going to escalate. As Israel tightens its blockade, Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis. Egypt and Qatar have already condemned the Israeli strikes as a ceasefire violation. In the near future, diplomatic efforts may gain momentum as the U.S. and EU push for humanitarian relief, but a resolution remains unlikely in the immediate future. The U.S. strikes on Yemen and Israel’s aggressive stance on Gaza indicate a wider regional power struggle involving Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
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Disclaimer: This article has reference to expert opinions and open sources including the BBC, the Hindu, Firstpost and the Guardian.
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