Qatar denounced Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed over 400 individuals, warning of potential regional instability. Israel’s foreign minister maintained military operations were necessary after failed hostage negotiations. Hamas indicated significant casualties since strikes resumed, while both Israeli intelligence and families of hostages expressed concern about ongoing military actions.
On Tuesday, Qatar, serving as a mediator in the ongoing Gaza conflict, condemned Israel’s renewed military operations that have resulted in over 400 fatalities, as reported by the health ministry from the Hamas-controlled area. The Qatari foreign ministry cautioned that Israel’s escalatory actions could destabilize the region, jeopardizing its security.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar asserted that Israel had no alternative but to resume military action after unsuccessful attempts to secure the release of hostages. He accused Hamas of rejecting an offer to prolong the ceasefire that concluded earlier this month. Israel’s objectives include securing the release of approximately 60 remaining captives and demanding Hamas disarm and relinquish control of Gaza.
Hamas indicated that at least 404 individuals have died since the resumption of airstrikes, and many others remain unaccounted for. The renewed violence has disrupted a period of relative calm in the Middle East, affecting market sentiments; gold prices have surged to record levels, and Brent crude oil has increased by about 2.1% to $72.04 per barrel.
This military engagement marks the most intense bombardment since the truce established by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States began in January, which was officially terminated in early March. Although this period saw the exchange of hostages, differing perspectives on future negotiations have prevented a formal extension of the ceasefire.
Following the resurgence of attacks, Hamas accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of reversing the ceasefire agreement, thereby endangering the lives of captives in Gaza. The group cited Israel’s failure to adhere to commitments concerning aid deliveries. Over the past 17 months of conflict, much of Gaza has been devastated, with over 48,000 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health authority.
Recent intelligence assessments indicated Hamas’s intention to launch attacks against Israeli forces in the Gaza buffer zone. A senior Israeli military officer disclosed that operatives observed preparations by Hamas resembling the tactics used in the October 7 assault that provoked the current war. After a significant number of casualties during that incident, Israel prioritized preemptive action to thwart further aggression.
While the military operations continue, some families of hostages have voiced dissent regarding these renewed strikes, expressing fears for their loved ones’ safety. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum lamented that the government appears to have abandoned efforts to secure their return. Contrarily, far-right factions within Netanyahu’s coalition maintain that Israel has no other viable options. The operations were coordinated with the United States, as confirmed by the White House.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has escalated dramatically, with Qatar warning that Israel’s military actions could trigger regional instability. Israel’s foreign minister justified the resumption of strikes due to failed hostage negotiations, while Hamas emphasized the human toll of the bombings. Intelligence reports revealed potential future threats from Hamas, prompting Israeli preemptive measures. Families of hostages remain concerned, reflecting the complex interplay of military strategy and humanitarian considerations in this volatile situation.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
