Description: Israel has unilaterally broken the ceasefire agreement with Hamas with extensive aerial attacks which have reportedly left more than 400 people dead. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that aerial attacks were conducted due to Hamas’ lack of commitment towards upholding the ceasefire which meant the release of the remaining hostages in their captivity. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu also supported the military intervention and stated that a ground offensive is also in the works as Hamas has already broken the terms of the second phase of the ceasefire. US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff warned of ceasefire breakage and continued military offensive by Israel if Hamas doesn’t resort towards releasing the remaining hostages.
Impact: The attacks on the Gaza Strip showcased the fragile state of the mediated ceasefire as Israel has reiterated their military objectives in the enclave. Recent intra governmental upheaval between Netanyahu and the current chief of the internal intelligence service, the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, have emphasized divisions within Israeli ranks in responding adequately and bearing responsibility for the 07 Oct attacks. The military campaign plunges the Gaza Strip back into a revolving cycle of violence which is headed towards security and humanitarian crisis of irreparable consequences. The resurgence of military animosities between the US and Yemen’s Houthis would also contribute towards further escalation of violence as tensions between US and Israel on the one and Iran on the other side have surged significantly in the last two weeks. Israel is currently engaged on four military fronts in Gaza, the West Bank, the Golan Heights in Syria and southern Lebanon citing the targeting of terrorists and extremists, which could exacerbate the catastrophic situation in the already war thorn region.