Israel has resumed strikes on Gaza, killing over 400 people, as hostage families warn military action endangers captives
Israel has renewed its military operations in Gaza, intensifying airstrikes and targeting Hamas infrastructure. Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar confirmed on Tuesday that the United States had given the green light for the military operation and stated that the campaign would last several days.
The latest escalation has already resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, according to Gaza health officials, including senior Hamas officials, and has left civilians—both in Gaza and the families of Israeli hostages—grappling with the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict.
Dr. Michael Milstein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, is among those analyzing the renewed offensive. Milstein describes Israel’s approach as a strategic dilemma, arguing that the government is trying to balance two incompatible goals.
Netanyahu’s claim that we can simultaneously secure the release of the hostages and defeat Hamas is an illusion. You need to choose.
“Netanyahu’s claim that we can simultaneously secure the release of the hostages and defeat Hamas is an illusion. You need to choose,” he told The Media Line. He suggested that political motives, including efforts to stabilize the Israeli coalition government, have played a stronger role than military considerations in this decision.
There is nothing left to destroy in Gaza except the tents of displaced Palestinians. That is all that remains.
Meanwhile, Nidal Foqaha, Director General of the Palestinian Peace Coalition – Geneva Initiative in Ramallah, emphasizes the human toll. “There is nothing left to destroy in Gaza except the tents of displaced Palestinians. That is all that remains,” he explained to The Media Line.
The initial ceasefire negotiations aimed at securing hostage releases and ending hostilities have faltered. Both Israel and Hamas have violated agreements multiple times, contributing to the failure of a second phase of talks.
It became clear by the sixteenth day of the first stage that neither side was interested in advancing the second phase. Mediation efforts now require a completely new framework, with stronger guarantees and enforcement mechanisms and more respect towards the role of mediators.
“It became clear by the sixteenth day of the first stage that neither side was interested in advancing the second phase,” Foqaha states. “Mediation efforts now require a completely new framework, with stronger guarantees and enforcement mechanisms and more respect towards the role of mediators.”
He warned that Israeli airstrikes not only kill civilians but also threaten the lives of the hostages still held by Hamas, as intensified attacks could lead to their deaths.
We are not moving toward a second stage of the deal. Instead, we are heading for an extended war of attrition, with no clear path to resolution.
Milstein echoed this sentiment, arguing that the situation has deteriorated beyond the original diplomatic efforts. “We are not moving toward a second stage of the deal. Instead, we are heading for an extended war of attrition, with no clear path to resolution.”
One of the many Israeli hostages taken on October 7 was Tal Haimi. A devoted family man, he was known for his generosity and commitment to his community. “He would wake up early every morning to prepare sandwiches for his children and always made time for his loved ones. He was also a skilled handyman, often helping neighbors with repairs,” his cousin Udi Gore recalled to The Media Line.
His abduction and subsequent murder have left a deep wound in his family and community. His cousin mentions the anguish of trying to recover his remains. “Every day that passes diminishes our chances of bringing him back for a proper burial. His body is buried somewhere in a war zone that continues to be bombarded,” he said.
Gore expressed frustration at the lack of urgency from Israel’s leadership. “Bringing back the hostages must be the top priority of this war. Otherwise, there is absolutely no way to win.”
He warned that continued military action is putting lives at risk without delivering any strategic benefit. “Resuming the war is a grave mistake,” he asserts. “This will not bring the hostages home any time soon.” He calls for an international push to stop the violence, urging global mediators—including the US and European powers—to intervene decisively.
Hamas and the Threat of Counterattacks
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As Israel presses forward, questions remain about Hamas’ response. Milstein suggested that Hamas has chosen not to launch an immediate counterattack, likely conserving its arsenal for a prolonged engagement. “So far, Hamas has not responded—no rockets, no retaliation. But that doesn’t mean it won’t come.” He warns, however, that if the conflict drags on, Hamas could escalate by attacking from Gaza or its other regional bases in Syria and Lebanon.
The idea that Hamas is preparing a major attack on Israel is unrealistic. This is a narrative being used to rationalize ongoing strikes.
Foqaha, in contrast, believes that much of the discourse around Hamas’ military resurgence is Israeli propaganda meant to justify continued bombings. “The idea that Hamas is preparing a major attack on Israel is unrealistic. This is a narrative being used to rationalize ongoing strikes.” However, he acknowledges that Hamas miscalculated the situation, failing to anticipate that Israel would return to full-scale war.
Gore remains clear on Hamas’ responsibility, saying that the group has done little to protect Palestinian civilians and Israel’s responsibility for not doing enough. “Hamas should be the first to care about the Palestinians, yet they continue to expose them to war and suffering. Israel on the other hand could have handled better this situation. My country which is responsible for our safety and protection and of my cousin’s as well was expected to do more over the course of 17 months for all the hostages.”
The renewed Israeli offensive, Hamas’ uncertain next steps, and the suffering of civilians and hostages alike paint a grim picture of the war’s trajectory. As Milstein concludes, “This war has become an endless cycle of violence, fueled by political calculations, military miscalculations, and an absence of real leadership on both sides. Without a decisive shift in approach, the suffering will only continue.”
Both sides are committing atrocities. Civilians are the ones paying the highest price. The only way out of this vicious cycle is to bring back the hostages and end the suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.
With international mediation stalled, Foqaha expresses skepticism that a breakthrough is near. “Both sides are committing atrocities. Civilians are the ones paying the highest price.” Gore, meanwhile, delivers a final plea: “The only way out of this vicious cycle is to bring back the hostages and end the suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.” Yet with neither side showing signs of compromise, the cycle of violence looks set to continue.