Hamas Rockets Israel After Ceasefire Breakdown

Hamas has reignited tensions in the region, claiming responsibility for rocket attacks on Israel. The militant group stated the strikes were a direct response to what they called 'violations' of the ceasefire, which reportedly resulted in over 710 Palestinian deaths in three days, including a ground invasion into Beit Lahia earlier Thursday.

The tit-for-tat violence has escalated dramatically. Overnight Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 58 Palestinians across Gaza, according to hospital officials. This follows a week of intense bombardment that began after Hamas rejected offers to release hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military actions, stating, "Israel does not target Palestinian civilians. We target Hamas terrorists." However, in a conflict where civilian areas are often intertwined with militant operations, 'unintended casualties' have become tragically common.

Netanyahu further elaborated that the renewed offensive was necessary after Hamas ignored diplomatic overtures, including one proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. In his video statement, he accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, adding, "They are the ones responsible for all unintended casualties." His words might sound resolute, but they do little to soothe the devastating grief on both sides.

Meanwhile, the situation is drawing international attention. U.S. lawmakers are voicing their positions clearly. Senator John Fetterman, visiting Israel this week, declared, "Hamas does not want peace. I unapologetically, 100% stand with Israel." Representative Jared Moskowitz echoed similar sentiments, urging global pressure on Hamas to release hostages and end the conflict.

Israel's war on Hamas follows the group's attack on October 7, 2023—a horrifying incident that still casts a long shadow over the region. With no sign of a pause in hostilities, this latest flare-up underscores the grim reality of a conflict that seems to have no end in sight.