Israel-Hamas Ceasefire (X/@TRTWorldNow)
The tenuous ceasefire in Gaza has been broken, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of fueling fresh hostilities. Witkoff accused Hamas of having the chance to demilitarize and take a bridging offer, but not taking it ¹.
The suggested "bridge" deal was to last the ceasefire through April, giving space for negotiations following Ramadan and Passover holidays. But Hamas demanded that Israel stick to the January truce deal, including negotiations leading to a full halt of the war in return for the release of 59 Gaza captives.
Israel escalated pre-dawn strikes on Sunday, killing scores, including Hamas member Salah al-Bardawil and his spouse. Forces stormed Gaza town Beit Hanoun with fighter planes attacking Hamas facilities. This development comes after the intense pounding of Gaza by Israel since October 7, 2023, following Hamas extremists launching attacks against Israeli cities that claimed 1,200 lives, the majority being civilians.
Gaza's Health Ministry stated a minimum of 50,021 Palestinians confirmed killed and 113,274 wounded in Israel's assault on Gaza. The recent ceasefire violation has led to hundreds of fatalities, with Israel launching ground assaults into northern Gaza.
Witkoff's comment, "So this is on Hamas. The United States stands with Israel," highlights the US's unflinching support for Israel. He also called Hamas the "aggressor."
In a step in line with US President Donald Trump's proposal, Israel's Cabinet has approved a plan to create a directorate encouraging the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians from Gaza, with the intention of rebuilding the region for other individuals.
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