Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Shattered; War Council Convenes

The nascent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears to have collapsed, prompting an immediate and forceful reaction from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has convened a high-level war council, signaling Israel’s intent to take “strong action” against Gaza following alleged Hamas ceasefire violations. This announcement has amplified an already volatile situation, with reports from Palestinian officials detailing 47 Israeli breaches and significant casualties. The wider conflict, which started in October, has resulted in immense loss of life and suffering. In a significant move, Netanyahu has kept the Rafah border crossing closed, asserting that its reopening is contingent on Hamas fulfilling its obligations regarding the return of deceased Israeli hostages. Hamas has dismissed these claims as baseless pretexts for violating the agreement. Protests in Israel are demanding the government prioritize the return of all captives, underscoring the deep divisions and ongoing trauma. The breakdown of the ceasefire raises serious concerns about a potential resurgence of full-scale warfare.