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March 18, 2025 – Israel launched a series of powerful airstrikes on Hamas positions in Gaza overnight, marking the most intense military action since the ceasefire agreement took effect in mid-January.
The strikes, which began after midnight and continued through the early morning hours, come in response to what Israeli officials describe as Hamas’s refusal to release hostages and continued efforts to rebuild its military capabilities.
According to the Israeli government, the air raids were a direct consequence of Hamas stalling negotiations in Doha and failing to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire terms.
Despite multiple deadlines on March 1, March 8, and March 15, Hamas did not release the expected nine hostages, instead offering a last-minute proposal to free one American hostage, Edan Alexander, along with the remains of four deceased captives. Israel, along with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, viewed this as a stalling tactic.
Hamas Seeks ‘Ramadan Ceasefire’ Amidst Rising Tensions
Israeli intelligence reports suggest that Hamas had been seeking a month-long “Ramadan ceasefire” throughout March in an attempt to regroup and rebuild its forces.
Despite suffering major losses in its arsenal since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Hamas is believed to retain up to 25,000 fighters. However, it no longer has the same level of firepower it once wielded before its deadly incursion into Israeli territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement early Monday, warning that Israel would now escalate its military actions against Hamas.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” the statement read. The move also serves as a test for Israel’s new Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, as he navigates both military operations and internal security challenges.
Hamas Losing Support from Regional Allies
The latest escalation comes amid shifting dynamics in the broader Middle East. While Hamas has long relied on regional allies like the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and its backers in Iran, recent developments suggest that support may be wavering.
The United States has ramped up its military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis, targeting missile and drone sites in Yemen over the past four days.
The U.S. airstrikes, carried out with warplanes from the USS Harry Truman, have reportedly forced the Houthis to reconsider their planned attacks on Israel.
The group had previously launched ballistic missiles toward Israeli targets in an attempt to support Hamas. Meanwhile, Iran has taken a step back from both Hamas and the Houthis, wary of drawing direct retaliation from the U.S.
The Trump administration has warned Tehran that it will be held responsible for any attacks carried out by its proxy forces. Faced with these pressures, Iran has made efforts to distance itself from escalating hostilities in the region.
Uncertain Path Forward
The immediate consequences of Israel’s latest strikes remain unclear, but they signal a major shift in the conflict’s trajectory.
While Israel maintains the backing of the U.S., Arab nations are pursuing diplomatic efforts, with Egypt leading a proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction.
However, regional tensions remain high, with Israel also intensifying its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-linked targets in Syria.
As the situation in Gaza unfolds, the question remains: will Hamas continue its defiant stance, or will pressure from military action and dwindling regional support force it to make concessions?