The fragile 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially collapsed Saturday night after negotiations for a second phase failed to materialize. Hamas rejected any extension of the ceasefire unless it resulted in a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to military operations—conditions Israel was never going to accept.
Israel attempted to negotiate a compromise through U.S. presidential advisor Steve Witkoff, proposing that Hamas release half of the remaining hostages—including all deceased captives—before entering into discussions about a second phase. The second phase would have included further hostage releases and a shift toward de-escalation. However, Hamas refused to engage, effectively pushing Israel back into full-scale military operations.
Israel’s Military Strategy Moving Forward
Israel is showing no signs of backing down, with ten brigades positioned around Gaza and prepared for extended military operations. Reports indicate that Israel has no intention of pulling out until its objectives are met—namely, the complete decimation of Hamas' military capabilities.
A recently approved $3.5 billion U.S. weapons sale to Israel includes 35,000 Mark 84 bombs, each capable of leveling buildings with a blast radius of four football fields. Additionally, 300 D9 Caterpillar bulldozers—massive machines capable of demolishing infrastructure—are being added to the Israeli arsenal. These purchases indicate that Israel is preparing for a more destructive phase of operations in Gaza.
Terrorist Attacks and Growing Tensions
Meanwhile, Israel continues to face near-daily terrorist attacks. In Haifa, a 70-year-old man was killed in a stabbing attack inside a shopping mall, with several others injured before the attacker was neutralized. The assailant had recently returned from abroad before launching his assault. These attacks only serve to reinforce Israel’s resolve to eliminate threats within and outside its borders.
The Information War
While military operations continue, Israel is also battling a war of perception. International criticism over humanitarian aid restrictions has intensified, but Israel argues that Hamas is hoarding four to six months' worth of supplies in warehouses while claiming the population is starving. By cutting off aid, Israel is effectively putting pressure on Hamas to use its stockpiles or face responsibility for the suffering of Gazan civilians.
What Comes Next?
With Trump’s administration providing unwavering support, Israel now has a freer hand to execute its military strategy without political interference from Washington. Analysts predict that
, seeking to dismantle Hamas’ remaining strongholds. Meanwhile, tensions along the Lebanese borderremain high, with ongoing Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah assets.
The next phase of this war appears to be a decisive push to eradicate Hamas—both militarily and structurally. The Israeli government seems committed to ensuring that Gaza is no longer a launching ground for future conflicts, even if that means completely reshaping the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation continues to unfold.
