GAZA, KOMPAS.com – A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered in January 2025, has collapsed a mere two months after its initiation.
Israeli airstrikes have resumed, shaking Gaza since the early hours of Tuesday, March 18, 2025. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and forced thousands to flee their homes once more.
The Israeli military has confirmed the launch of a “limited ground operation,” reclaiming parts of the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic passage bisecting the Gaza Strip. Areas previously designated as safe zones, such as Al Mawasi, have also been targeted.
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“From now on, negotiations will be conducted under fire,” declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a televised address. “I want to assure you: This is just the beginning.”
Israel’s Rationale for Renewed Attacks
The Israeli government asserts that the offensive was triggered by Hamas’s rejection of two recent mediation proposals from US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the perceived ongoing threat to Israeli military personnel and citizens.
“Due to Hamas’s refusal to release the hostages and the threats directed against Israeli soldiers and communities,” stated Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the attacks were necessary.
To date, only eight of the 251 hostages abducted on October 7, 2023, have been successfully rescued alive by the Israeli military.
Government sources indicate that the renewed offensive is part of a strategy to exert pressure on Hamas to release more hostages.
Netanyahu seemingly remains convinced that military pressure is the most effective means of achieving this objective.
Domestic Political Dynamics
Underlying the resumption of hostilities is a critical domestic political situation in Israel. Netanyahu faces an imminent deadline to pass the national budget within the next two weeks. Failure to do so could lead to the collapse of his government and the calling of elections.
Far-right factions, which have been crucial to maintaining his power, have consistently opposed the ceasefire. They have even advocated for the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza, which were dismantled in 2005.
Itamar Ben Gvir, the National Security Minister from the Jewish Power party, briefly resigned in protest against the ceasefire. However, following the resumption of hostilities, his party promptly announced its return to the governing coalition.
This move represents a significant political victory for Netanyahu, who can now reinforce his majority in the government. Another minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has also voiced his support for the renewed conflict.
“This is a phased operation that we have planned and prepared in recent weeks since the new IDF Chief of Staff took office,” he stated.
“And with God’s help, this operation will look very different from what has been done so far.”
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A Diversionary Tactic to Consolidate Power?
Beyond bolstering his political standing, the renewed conflict is also perceived as an attempt by Netanyahu to divert public attention from other internal crises, including his plan to dismiss the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency.
This move has sparked widespread protests and suspicions that Netanyahu is trying to cover up intelligence failures related to the October 7, 2023, attacks.
A report suggests that a Shin Bet investigation explored alleged involvement of Netanyahu’s aides in lobbying with Qatar during the war.
“Netanyahu’s goal seems increasingly clear: a gradual slide toward an authoritarian-style regime, which he will maintain through constant warfare on various fronts,” wrote senior Haaretz journalist Amos Harel.
For the families of the hostages, the resumption of conflict is a devastating blow.
“Has the gate of hell opened? For me, today is when the gate of hell truly opened,” said Ruhama Buhbut to Channel 12 Israel. Her son, Elkana, remains in captivity in Gaza.
The Fate of Ceasefire Negotiations
The ceasefire that commenced on January 19, 2025, was scheduled to enter its second phase on February 3. This phase would have required Israel to withdraw all its forces from Gaza and permanently end the war. In return, Hamas would release all remaining living hostages.
However, Israel sought revisions. They were willing to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages but refused to end the war or withdraw troops.
The US initiated direct communication with Hamas, a diplomatic breakthrough. US envoy Steve Witkoff proposed extending the ceasefire from Ramadan until Passover but did not include a commitment to end the war.
Hamas rejected the proposal, accusing Israel of deliberately sabotaging the agreement signed on January 17, 2025.
Last week, Hamas offered to release Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier, along with the remains of four other dual nationals. In exchange, they demanded that Israel adhere to the three-stage ceasefire agreement that had been reached.
Israel deemed the offer a manipulative emotional ploy and insincere attempt at negotiation.
Analysts predict that the military operation will likely continue at least until the approval of the Israeli national budget. If achieved, Netanyahu could solidify his power while also paving the way for a new agreement at the negotiating table.
But for the residents of Gaza, the next two weeks mean surviving under a renewed barrage of bombs shaking their land.
Read also: Fatah Urges Hamas to Cede Power for the Safety of Gaza Residents
Ringkasan
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed two months after it began, leading to renewed Israeli airstrikes and a limited ground operation in Gaza. Israel claims the offensive was triggered by Hamas’s rejection of mediation proposals and ongoing threats, with the goal of pressuring Hamas to release more hostages. The attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and displacement, while negotiations are now conducted under fire, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The resumption of hostilities is intertwined with domestic political dynamics in Israel, as Netanyahu faces a budget deadline that could lead to the collapse of his government. Far-right factions, crucial to his power, opposed the ceasefire, and the renewed conflict has bolstered his political standing. Some analysts suggest the conflict is also a diversionary tactic to distract from internal crises and consolidate power amid allegations of intelligence failures.