59 hostages still in Hamas captivity… After 59 days, Israel bombs Gaza during Ramadan, kills 342 Palestinians, ceasefire in limbo?

As per Gaza's Health Ministry, many of those killed in the Israeli attacks were children.

After two months of relative silence, Israel has launched fresh attacks on Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan. Reports indicate that the death toll has exceeded 300, with Al Jazeera reporting 342 Palestinian casualties. On Tuesday, Israel targeted multiple locations across Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah in the south, Gaza City in the north, and Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

As per Gaza’s Health Ministry, many of those killed in the Israeli attacks were children.

Ceasefire Ends After 59 Days

Hamas has said that it witnessed Israel’s attacks as a unilateral cancellation of the ceasefire that started on January 19. In this way, this ceasefire has ended after 59 days from January 19 to March 17-18.

“Netanyahu and his extremist government are deciding to end the ceasefire agreement, which will leave the future of hostages in Gaza uncertain,” Hamas said in a statement.

Hamas blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for violating the ceasefire, accusing him of deliberately putting the hostages in danger by resuming the military operation.

“Netanyahu’s decision to resume the war is tantamount to sacrificing captured prisoners,

A Hamas representative stated that the Israeli leader is leveraging the conflict as a political “lifeline” to shift focus away from internal issues, effectively condemning individuals to death.

Release Of 59 Hostages Still Pending

Hasam stated that Israel had cancelled the ceasefire agreement, leaving the future of 59 hostages still held in Gaza uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has told Palestinians to vacate the eastern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military reported that it had targeted numerous locations. The army indicated that the assaults would persist for as long as needed and could expand beyond aerial bombardments, suggesting that ground forces might re-engage in combat.

It is worth noting that, 59 Israeli hostages are still in Hamas’s custody. During the ceasefire, the militant group freed 33 Israeli hostages. In return, Israel released 2000 Palestinians. After this, both sides started further talks.

Efforts continue in Doha

The negotiation teams from Israel and Hamas were in Doha, with mediators from Egypt and Qatar working to facilitate discussions between the two parties following the conclusion of the initial ceasefire phase. Israel is insisting on the release of the remaining 59 hostages as a condition for extending the ceasefire. Should this occur, hostilities would cease until Ramadan.

However, Hamas reportedly wanted a permanent solution to the ongoing conflict. The militant group wanted IDF to completely leave Gaza. Due to this demand, Hamas was reluctant and hesitant to return the hostages.

In Washington, a representative from the White House stated that Israel had informed the US government prior to executing the attack. The military indicated that the strikes were aimed at mid-level Hamas commanders and leadership figures, as well as Hamas infrastructure. White House spokesman Bryan Hughes remarked, “Hamas had the option to release the hostages to prolong the ceasefire, but opted for denial and conflict instead.”-