Cliff notes
- On March 18, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered extensive airstrikes across Gaza, ending a ceasefire that had been in place since January.
- The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 400 Palestinian deaths, including many women and children, marking one of the deadliest 24-hour periods since the war began in 2023.
- Netanyahu declared these attacks as “only the beginning,” emphasising Israel’s goal to destroy Hamas and free all hostages.
- The strikes have drawn international condemnation, with concerns over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
New strikes on Gaza ‘only the beginning’ – Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered massive airstrikes across Gaza on March 18, 2025, effectively ending a ceasefire that had been in place since January. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that these strikes resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths, including women and children, making it one of the deadliest days since the war’s inception in 2023.
Netanyahu said the offensive was “only the beginning,” stating that Israel’s objectives are to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of all hostages. He emphasised that future negotiations with Hamas would occur “under fire,” indicating a shift towards intensified military operations.
The renewed hostilities have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, drawing widespread international condemnation. Countries such as Egypt and Qatar have criticised the breach of the ceasefire, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent further civilian casualties and regional instability.