The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has reportedly crumbled, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assemble his war council for decisive action. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declared that “strong action” is imminent following Hamas’s alleged violation of the agreement. This move escalates tensions significantly, with Palestinian sources claiming 47 Israeli ceasefire violations resulting in 38 deaths and numerous injuries since the truce began. The ongoing conflict has already claimed tens of thousands of lives in Gaza and over a thousand in Israel since October. Adding to the crisis, Netanyahu has kept the critical Rafah border crossing sealed, demanding Hamas return the bodies of deceased hostages as a condition for its reopening. Hamas has refuted these claims, labeling them as excuses to undermine the deal. Meanwhile, public pressure mounts in Israel for the safe return of all captives, casting a shadow over any prospects for lasting peace.
