Israel Resumes Ground Operations in Gaza After Ceasefire Ends

Israel has launched fresh ground operations in Gaza, intensifying its military campaign against Hamas. Over the past few days, hundreds have been killed in a series of airstrikes, marking the return of full-scale war after the collapse of a temporary ceasefire. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have made significant advances in their ground operations, targeting key Hamas leaders and infrastructure in an effort to dismantle the group's military and political capabilities.

The ceasefire, which lasted for 42 days, ended without a resolution, and Israel has made it clear that negotiations will only take place under fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that this is "only the beginning," reinforcing Israel’s commitment to removing Hamas from Gaza entirely. With support from the United States, Israel has continued its airstrikes and ground operations, despite international criticism and growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Intensified Ground and Air Operations

The IDF has carried out extensive strikes across the Gaza Strip, focusing on key Hamas strongholds. A vehicle carrying two Hamas operatives was destroyed, along with a surveillance post and other strategic targets. These strikes are part of a broader effort to weaken Hamas and prevent further attacks on Israel.

Israeli forces have expanded their ground operations in central and southern Gaza, creating a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. The goal is to push Hamas fighters further south while securing areas that were previously under Hamas control. The IDF has also reinforced its presence in key locations, stationing the elite Golani Brigade in the Southern Command area for continued operations.

According to Israeli officials, these operations are necessary to dismantle Hamas' military infrastructure, eliminate its leadership, and ensure that Gaza is no longer used as a launching pad for attacks against Israel. However, the escalation has resulted in heavy casualties, with reports indicating that hundreds of Palestinians, including civilians, have been killed in the latest wave of attacks.

Key Hamas Leaders Eliminated

Israeli airstrikes have taken out several high-ranking Hamas leaders, dealing a significant blow to the group. Among those killed was Yasser Muhammad Harb Musa, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau responsible for security affairs. He was closely associated with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and played a key role in Hamas’ military operations.

Another key figure eliminated was Muhammad Al-Jamasi, head of Hamas' Emergency Committee, who was involved in coordinating military activities against Israel. Israeli forces also targeted Essam al-Da'alis, the head of Hamas’ government, and Mahmoud Marzouk Ahmad Abu-Wutfa, who was reportedly responsible for Hamas’ international security operations.

Additionally, Ahmed Amar Abdullah Alhata, Hamas’ Minister for Justice, and Bahajat Hassan Mohammed Abu-Sultan, who headed the group’s internal security forces, were killed in the strikes. The elimination of these leaders is expected to weaken Hamas’ operational structure, but Israeli officials acknowledge that the fight is far from over.

Israel's "Last Warning" to Hamas

Before launching the latest wave of airstrikes, Israel issued a "last warning," demanding that Hamas release the remaining hostages. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz urged Hamas to return the hostages and dismantle its leadership to prevent further escalation. "This is the last warning," he declared, emphasizing that continued resistance from Hamas would only lead to more destruction.

The call for Hamas to surrender was reinforced by a statement referencing U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously urged Hamas to release the hostages and disarm. Katz suggested that if Hamas leaders complied, there could be options for them to leave Gaza peacefully. However, Hamas has rejected these demands, and fighting continues.

Hostage Crisis and Ceasefire Negotiations

At least 58 Israeli citizens remain in Hamas’ custody, with Hamas claiming that 34 of them have died. The ongoing hostage crisis has been a major point of contention, with Israel refusing to halt its military operations until all captives are released. The first ceasefire, which was brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt in January, allowed for the release of some hostages, but efforts to negotiate a second ceasefire have failed.

Israel believes that military pressure is the only way to force Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Hamas, on the other hand, insists that any further releases must be part of a broader agreement that includes an end to Israeli airstrikes. With both sides unwilling to compromise, the situation remains dire, and civilians in Gaza continue to suffer the consequences of the conflict.

International Reactions and U.S. Support

Despite mounting global criticism, Israel has received unwavering support from the United States. The White House confirmed that it was consulted before Israel launched its latest round of airstrikes, signaling that Washington remains aligned with Israel’s military strategy. The U.S. has repeatedly stated that Hamas must be dismantled for there to be lasting peace in the region.

However, international organizations and humanitarian groups have condemned the escalation, warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, and access to food, water, and medical supplies remains limited. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, but Israel has shown no signs of backing down.

What Comes Next?

With Israel determined to continue its military campaign, the war in Gaza is unlikely to end anytime soon. Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have made it clear that their goal is to completely remove Hamas from power, a task that could take months or even years.

Hamas, despite suffering heavy losses, has shown resilience in the past and continues to fire rockets into Israel. The conflict remains a major source of instability in the Middle East, with potential repercussions for the entire region. As diplomatic efforts stall and military operations intensify, the question remains—how much longer will this war continue, and what will be left of Gaza when it ends?