Summary
- Israel's massive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have diminished the possibility of ceasefire negotiations.
- The Israeli government announced it would strengthen military response regarding Hamas's refusal to release hostages.
- This airstrike, the largest since the January ceasefire, will deeply impact future ceasefire negotiations.
Civilian Death Toll Exceeds 330
Hamas Protests "Breach of Negotiations"
Israel has launched massive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian militant group Hamas protested, claiming that Israel unilaterally breached the ceasefire agreement. Concerns are rising that the Gaza ceasefire may be falling apart.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on the 17th (local time) that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered "strong measures" targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister's Office stated, "The attack was ordered because Hamas repeatedly refused to release hostages and rejected all proposals related to ceasefire negotiations," adding that "Israel will now intensify its military response against Hamas." All schools near the Gaza Strip have been ordered to close.
According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 326 people were killed and more than 150 injured by Israeli military airstrikes across the Gaza Strip that day. The Gaza Civil Defense claimed that most of the casualties were children, women, and the elderly. A building in northern Gaza City was attacked, and more than three houses were bombed in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Airstrike damage was also reported in Khan Yunis and Rafah, major cities within the Gaza Strip. This is the largest airstrike since the ceasefire took effect in January. Hamas stated, "Israel has breached the ceasefire agreement," adding that "the fate of 59 hostages being held in the Gaza Strip has become uncertain."
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in January. The first phase of the ceasefire was maintained for 42 days before ending on the 1st of this month. Since then, both sides have been negotiating to extend the ceasefire. Israel proposed extending the first phase ceasefire by 50 days, releasing half of the remaining hostages first, and then releasing the rest after agreeing to a permanent end to hostilities.
Hamas has demanded that all hostages be released first and that Israeli forces completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip. As negotiations reached a stalemate, Israel resumed airstrikes on the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas.
Reporter Dayeon Im allopen@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
