Netanyahu accuses media of echoing ‘Hamas propaganda’ as Gaza war resumes

Israel Resumes Peace Negotiations Amidst Escalation in Gaza Conflict

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that peace negotiations with Hamas would now be conducted amidst ongoing military action, following the collapse of a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not pause its offensive against Hamas, signaling a significant shift in strategy. This decision came after a period of relative calm, during which a ceasefire had been in place since late January. The Prime Minister’s announcement was made as Israel launched a large-scale bombing campaign in Gaza, resulting in substantial casualties and marking one of the deadliest days of the conflict since it began on October 7, 2023.

The Humanitarian Impact of the Resumed Offensive

The resumption of hostilities has had devastating consequences for civilians in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, the Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 404 people. This escalation has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population has already endured significant hardship due to the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu has placed the blame for civilian casualties squarely on Hamas, asserting that the group uses civilians as human shields. He urged Palestinian civilians to avoid contact with Hamas militants and to seek safer areas, emphasizing that Israel does not target civilians but rather Hamas terrorists.

The Role of the Media and Propaganda in the Conflict

Netanyahu also addressed what he perceives as bias in media coverage of the conflict. He criticized commentators for allegedly echoing Hamas propaganda and accused them of suggesting that the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) actions are driven by political considerations. The Prime Minister denied these claims, insisting that the IDF’s operations are motivated by security concerns rather than political gain. Netanyahu’s remarks reflect the ongoing debate about the role of media in conflicts, where both sides often accuse journalists of favoring the opposing side.

The Regional Dimension: Houthi Missile Intercepted by Israel

Beyond the immediate conflict with Hamas, Israel’s actions have also drawn attention to the broader regional dynamics at play. On the same day as the Gaza offensive, Israel intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This incident occurred shortly after U.S.-led strikes targeting Houthi positions over the weekend, suggesting a potential escalation in tensions between Israel and the Houthis. A senior Houthi official, Hazam el-Assad, responded to the interception by threatening retaliation, stating that “the Zionists will pay for their crimes against children, women, and civilians.”

The Blame Game: Assigning Responsibility for Civilian Casualties

Both Israel and Hamas have sought to assign blame for the civilian casualties resulting from the conflict. Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that Hamas bears responsibility for the deaths of Palestinian civilians, arguing that the group’s practice of embedding itself in civilian areas leads to unintended casualties. He has called on the people of Gaza to distance themselves from Hamas militants and to seek safety in areas away from the fighting. Meanwhile, Hamas and its supporters have accused Israel of targeting civilians indiscriminately, a claim that Israel vehemently denies.

International Reactions: A Divided Global Response

The resumption of hostilities in Gaza has elicited a mixed response from the international community. The White House has expressed strong support for Israel’s actions, with National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughest stating that Hamas could have extended the ceasefire by releasing hostages but instead chose “refusal and war.” Netanyahu thanked former President Donald Trump for his “unwavering support,” highlighting the strong alliance between Israel and the United States. In contrast, European leaders have condemned the escalation, with many calling for a ceasefire and expressing concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

The Ceasefire’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

During the two-month ceasefire, 33 hostages were returned to Israel in exchange for the release of nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. However, 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with Israel believing that around 35 of them may have been killed. The breakdown of the ceasefire has dashed hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the near term, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the region. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community is grappling with how to address the conflict and mitigate its humanitarian toll. The resumption of peace negotiations under fire raises questions about the prospects for a lasting peace and the willingness of both sides to compromise.