Bread Lines and Salty Drinking Water: Israeli Aid Block Sets Gaza Back Again
New York Times3 days ago
Israel Ends Cease-Fire, Over 400 Reported Killed in Gaza Strikes
Above: Injured Palestinians, including children and women, are being brought to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment as Israel launches large-scale air strikes across the Gaza Strip on March 18, 2025. Image copyright: Ali Jadallah/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli forces launched airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, marking the largest military operation since the January cease-fire. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 400 Palestinians were killed.
The Israeli military reportedly targeted Hamas military infrastructure, leaders, and commanders, striking multiple locations, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah. However, Palestinian officials reported casualties included women and children, with witnesses stating many were eating pre-dawn due to Ramadan when explosions started.
The White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the Trump administration was consulted before the strikes, adding: "Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose."
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Netanyahu's government had no choice but to resume military operations after Hamas repeatedly refused to release hostages and rejected all reasonable proposals put forward by mediators. The terrorist organization's intransigence and continued threats against Israeli civilians made it necessary to take decisive action to achieve the war's objectives and secure the release of all remaining captives.
Pro-Palestine narrative
By carrying out a treacherous attack on besieged and defenseless civilians, Israel deliberately sabotaged and unilaterally broke the cease-fire agreement, endangering the remaining hostages and exposing Gaza's civilian population to renewed devastation. Netanyahu's decision to resume aggression demonstrates his unwillingness to pursue a peaceful resolution and disregard for international mediation efforts.