Netanyahu declares full-scale war in Gaza, vows to continue fighting "only under fire"
By isabelle // 2025-03-19
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  • Israel has resumed full-scale military operations in Gaza, with Netanyahu vowing to continue until hostages are freed and Hamas is eradicated.
  • Hundreds of Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, sparking fears of a humanitarian crisis and international condemnation.
  • Families of Israeli hostages protested, accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over their loved ones' lives.
  • The U.S. faced criticism for supporting Israel’s campaign, with human rights advocates calling it complicity in a "genocidal assault."
  • Netanyahu dismissed accusations of sabotaging peace talks, calling them "lies," and vowed relentless pursuit of military goals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that Israel has resumed full-scale military operations against Hamas in Gaza, declaring that negotiations for a ceasefire will proceed "only under fire." The announcement came after a devastating wave of Israeli airstrikes killed hundreds of Palestinians, reigniting fears of a humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave. Netanyahu, speaking from Tel Aviv, vowed to continue the war until all Israeli hostages are returned and Hamas is eradicated, dismissing accusations that he sabotaged peace talks for political gain. The renewed violence has sparked outrage among hostages' families, who protested outside Israel’s parliament, accusing the government of abandoning their loved ones. Meanwhile, the U.S. has faced criticism for its unwavering support of Israel’s military campaign, which many argue has enabled a genocidal assault on Gaza.

Netanyahu’s defiant stance

Netanyahu’s televised address marked a significant escalation in the conflict, which had been under a fragile two-month ceasefire. He declared that Israel’s military objectives—securing the release of hostages and dismantling Hamas—would be pursued relentlessly. "We will continue to fight until all of our war goals are achieved," he said. The prime minister rejected claims that he had undermined peace negotiations to maintain his political coalition, calling such accusations "lies." He also lashed out at the media, accusing critics of echoing Hamas propaganda. "They have no shame, no red lines," he said. Netanyahu’s defiant tone was met with protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where families of hostages and anti-government demonstrators gathered to demand an end to the war. Elias Shraga, chairman of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. "This is a dangerous mixture," Shraga told CNN, adding that Netanyahu was willing to sacrifice his own people to preserve his governing coalition. The Israeli airstrikes, which began overnight Monday, targeted areas across Gaza, including Beit Lahia, Rafah, and Nuseirat. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported more than 400 deaths, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. Medical staff described the scenes as reminiscent of "Armageddon," with one doctor telling the BBC, "Everybody's mood was just shattered because we knew it was the start of the war again." The strikes also killed key Hamas figures, including Major General Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the deputy interior minister in Gaza. However, the high civilian toll has drawn condemnation from international observers, with Egypt calling the attacks "a blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement and "a dangerous escalation."

U.S. backing draws criticism amid humanitarian crisis

The White House confirmed it was aware of Israel’s plans to resume military operations and gave its tacit approval. U.S. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that Hamas "could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire, but instead chose refusal and war." This support has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the U.S. is complicit in what they describe as a genocidal campaign against Palestinians. The resumption of hostilities has left families of Israeli hostages in despair. Liran Berman, whose twin brothers are still held by Hamas, told the BBC, "The Israeli government is not perfect, and Israel is not doing enough, because my brothers are not home." Protesters outside the Knesset accused Netanyahu of abandoning the hostages, with one banner reading, "The future of the coalition or the future of Israel." Netanyahu’s declaration that "this is just the beginning" suggests that the conflict in Gaza is far from over. With hundreds dead, hospitals overwhelmed, and hostages’ families protesting, the human cost of the war continues to mount. Meanwhile, the U.S. faces growing scrutiny for its role in supporting Israel’s military campaign. As the bombs fall and the death toll rises, how many more lives will be lost before peace becomes a priority?   Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com CNN.com BBC.com
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