In a dramatic televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel has returned to full-scale military operations in the Gaza Strip, marking a new phase in the conflict. "We have returned to fighting with full force," he stated, adding that future ceasefire negotiations will take place only under active combat conditions.
The renewed assault comes on the heels of a fragile ceasefire that had taken effect on January 19, after Hamas reportedly rejected proposals—including extending the initial phase of the agreement and releasing additional hostages. Netanyahu emphasized that military pressure is essential for achieving key war objectives such as freeing all hostages and neutralizing Hamas, stating, "This is just the beginning."
Israeli military figures noted that early Tuesday saw around 80 airstrikes launched over a span of 10 minutes, resulting in over 400 casualties so far. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that the decision to intensify military operations had been in the making for several days, and that key officials from the U.S. were informed and offered their support before the strikes commenced.
Adding an analytical perspective to the unfolding events, Professor Niu Xinchun from the China-Arab Research Institute of Ningxia University told China Media Group that the primary goal of the operation is to systematically eliminate Hamas. He also warned that the crisis could extend beyond the Gaza Strip, potentially impacting the broader Middle Eastern region, including tensions in the Red Sea area.
The intensified military actions have raised global concerns over the potential for further regional instability. As the conflict takes on new dimensions, the international community continues to watch closely, aware that today's decisions may have far-reaching consequences for the future of regional peace and security.
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Netanyahu: Gaza ceasefire talks to continue 'only under fire'
cgtn.com
