Why Netanyahu Chose to Blow Up the Ceasefire and Return to War" Key Points. Mondoweiss

Key Points from the Article: "Why Netanyahu Chose to Blow Up the Ceasefire and Return to War"

1. Israel’s Resumption of War

Israel resumed its military assault on Gaza early Tuesday, killing over 400 Palestinians, including 130 children.
Key figures in Gaza’s civil administration were also targeted to weaken Hamas’s governance.

2. The Ceasefire Agreement and Israel’s Stalling Tactics

A ceasefire deal was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. two months prior.
The second phase of the deal included discussions about ending the war and reconstructing Gaza in exchange for Israeli captives.
Netanyahu stalled, aiming to release captives without committing to ending the war.

3. Israel’s Blockade and Its Impact

In early March, Israel blocked the Rafah crossing and cut off humanitarian aid, causing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Prices of goods soared, bakeries shut down, and hospitals ran out of fuel.

4. Hamas’s Unexpected Move

Hamas proposed releasing an Israeli-American captive and the remains of four others in exchange for a roadmap for phase two of the ceasefire.
Netanyahu, unwilling to engage in ceasefire negotiations, accused Hamas of manipulation and chose to resume war instead.

5. Internal Political Pressures on Netanyahu

Netanyahu faced pressure from far-right allies like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who opposed the ceasefire.
Smotrich supported the government in exchange for intensified attacks on the West Bank.
Ben-Gvir rejoined Netanyahu’s cabinet after war resumed.

6. Netanyahu’s Political Survival Strategy

Netanyahu reshuffled military and intelligence leadership to consolidate control.
His corruption trial continues to be delayed due to the ongoing war.
Disputes over an investigative committee into the October 7 attacks further deepened Israel’s political crisis.

7. U.S. and Regional Geopolitics

The U.S. endorsed Israel’s renewed bombing campaign amid its broader Middle East strategy.
The U.S. also launched strikes against Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement (Houthis) following Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Trump’s administration aimed to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states while maintaining pressure on Iran.

8. Palestinian Suffering Amidst Global Indifference

Palestinians in Gaza continue to bear the brunt of geopolitical struggles.
The international community remains largely silent on the humanitarian crisis.

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