Israel Resumes Gaza Offensive Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks; Majority of Israelis Support Truce for Hostage Release

US • Politics • 04/12 13:08
Israel Resumes Gaza Offensive Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks; Majority of Israelis Support Truce for Hostage Release

On March 18, 2025, Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza after a six-week ceasefire collapsed. The Israeli Defense Forces expanded operations, including establishing the Morag Axis security corridor. Despite 69% of Israelis supporting a permanent ceasefire for hostage release, public protests and dissent among military reservists are growing. Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to pressure Hamas into releasing 59 hostages. Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. International protests and humanitarian concerns continue as the conflict persists.

Key Updates

04/13 08:37

Israeli Air Strike Hits Gaza's Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital: Key Departments Destroyed, IDF Alleges Hamas Presence

On April 13, 2025, an Israeli air strike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, destroying its intensive care and surgery departments. The hospital, the last operational facility in northern Gaza, was rendered non-functional. The IDF claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command center within the hospital. No direct casualties were reported, but a child died during evacuation. The attack has been condemned by Palestinian authorities and humanitarian groups. The strike is part of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023.

04/13 08:06

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza: Al-Ahli Hospital Bombed Amid Renewed Offensive, Over 1,560 Dead Since Truce Collapse

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened after a ceasefire collapsed on March 18, 2025. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 1,563 Palestinians killed in the renewed Israeli offensive, raising the total death toll to 50,933 since October 2023. Israeli airstrikes on April 13 targeted the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, killing at least three, including a 12-year-old boy, and rendering the hospital inoperable. The Israeli military claims the hospital was a Hamas command center. The UN and humanitarian groups warn these actions may constitute war crimes, as the offensive displaces hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

04/13 01:06

Israeli Missiles Hit Gaza Hospital, Prompting Evacuation; No Casualties Reported

On April 13, 2025, two Israeli missiles hit the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, damaging its emergency and reception areas. The attack followed a warning allegedly from Israeli security, prompting evacuation of patients and staff. No casualties were reported, according to Gaza’s civil emergency services. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of medical facilities in conflict zones and the strain on Gaza’s healthcare system. The Hamas-run government condemned the strike, accusing Israel of targeting healthcare infrastructure, while Israel has not commented on the incident.

04/12 20:37

Israel Completes Morag Corridor, Isolating Rafah in Southern Gaza Amid Intensified Military Campaign

On April 12, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces completed the Morag Corridor, isolating Rafah from the rest of Gaza. This move escalates Israel's military campaign against Hamas, with ongoing airstrikes and ground operations. The corridor, part of a broader security zone, has led to Rafah's encirclement, causing mass evacuations and worsening humanitarian conditions. The IDF aims to weaken Hamas by dividing Gaza into sectors. The situation has drawn mixed international reactions, with concerns over civilian displacement and infrastructure destruction.

04/12 20:06

Israel Completes Morag Corridor, Isolating Rafah; Issues New Evacuation Orders Amid Intensified Gaza Military Operations

On April 12, 2025, the Israeli military completed the Morag Corridor, isolating Rafah from the rest of Gaza. This move escalates Israel's military campaign following the March 18 ceasefire collapse with Hamas. Israel issued new evacuation orders in southern Gaza, including Khan Younis, and conducted drone and artillery strikes, causing civilian casualties. The blockade on humanitarian aid continues, worsening the crisis for Gaza's 2.1 million residents. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages, while international organizations criticize the actions as potential war crimes.

04/12 13:08

Israel Resumes Gaza Offensive Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks; Majority of Israelis Support Truce for Hostage Release

On March 18, 2025, Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza after a six-week ceasefire collapsed. The Israeli Defense Forces expanded operations, including establishing the Morag Axis security corridor. Despite 69% of Israelis supporting a permanent ceasefire for hostage release, public protests and dissent among military reservists are growing. Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to pressure Hamas into releasing 59 hostages. Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. International protests and humanitarian concerns continue as the conflict persists.

04/12 12:06

Over 500 Palestinian Children Killed in Gaza as Israeli Air Raids Intensify Post-Truce Collapse

Since the ceasefire collapse on March 18, 2025, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed over 1,500 Palestinians, including at least 500 children, according to the Gaza Civil Defence and Palestinian Ministry of Health. The UN confirmed that many strikes resulted in casualties of only women and children. The Israeli military's expanded offensive has targeted residential areas and 'safe zones,' causing significant civilian casualties. The humanitarian crisis worsens with severe shortages of basic necessities and medical supplies, while international concern grows over the scale of civilian casualties and potential forcible transfers.

04/12 01:08

Israeli Military Reservists Demand Ceasefire and Hostage Release Amid Gaza Conflict, Criticize Netanyahu's Approach

Nearly 1,000 Israeli Air Force reservists and hundreds from intelligence and naval units have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Their protest, via open letters, has been met with threats of dismissal by Israeli military leaders. As the conflict enters its 18th month, criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach is growing, with accusations of prioritizing political interests over hostages' lives. Since March, over 1,500 Palestinians have died in renewed Israeli strikes, raising the total death toll to over 50,000.

04/11 20:38

Israeli Air Force to Dismiss Reservists for Gaza War Criticism; Red Cross Calls Gaza 'Hell on Earth' Amid Humanitarian Crisis

On April 11, 2025, the Israeli military announced the dismissal of air force reservists who criticized the Gaza war, citing a breach of trust. Nearly 1,000 personnel signed a letter accusing the government of prolonging the conflict. The Red Cross described Gaza as 'hell on earth,' with severe shortages due to a blockade. Since March, 1,542 Palestinians have died, and 400,000 have been displaced. A mass grave with 15 emergency workers was found, prompting calls for investigations. The UN warns of Gaza's uninhabitability, while Israel claims compliance with international law.

04/11 16:39

Mass Protests in Pakistan Led by Jamaat-e-Islami Demand Action Against Israel's Gaza Operations Amid Humanitarian Crisis

On April 11, 2025, tens of thousands of Pakistanis protested in major cities like Lahore and Karachi against Israel's military actions in Gaza. Led by Jamaat-e-Islami, the demonstrations called for Muslim nations to declare a holy war to defend Palestinians. The protests coincided with a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 50,000 have died since October 2023. The National Palestine Conference in Islamabad condemned Israel's actions as genocide and criticized the UN and US for inaction. Pakistan's government reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and called for an independent state.

Renewed Military Operations in Gaza

On March 18, 2025, Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza following the collapse of a six-week ceasefire that had been in place since mid-January. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have since expanded operations, including the establishment of a new security corridor known as the Morag Axis, which separates Rafah from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that military activity would soon "expand rapidly to additional locations throughout most of Gaza" and urged civilians to evacuate, though no clear safe zones were designated.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the renewed offensive is intended to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. The military has also reasserted control over the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors, effectively giving Israel control over more than half of Gaza’s territory.

Despite these efforts, Hamas remains defiant. The group has reiterated that it will only release hostages as part of a comprehensive agreement that includes a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. A Hamas delegation led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on April 12 for talks with Egyptian mediators, though the group maintains it has not received any new formal proposals from Israel.

Public Opinion Shifts Toward Ceasefire

Amid the ongoing conflict, Israeli public sentiment appears to be shifting. A recent poll published by local media found that 69% of Israelis support a permanent ceasefire with Hamas in exchange for the release of all hostages. Only 21% opposed such a deal. The poll reflects growing frustration with the war’s duration and its human toll, both in Gaza and within Israel.

In Tel Aviv and other cities, daily protests have drawn large crowds demanding that the government prioritize negotiations over continued military action. Demonstrators have called on Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire and secure the hostages' release through diplomacy. “The only way to bring the hostages home is to end the war,” said one protester. “Killing more people won’t bring them back.”

Growing Dissent Among Israeli Reservists

The war’s continuation has also sparked dissent within Israel’s military, particularly among reservists. Israel relies heavily on its reserve corps, which numbers approximately 470,000 compared to 170,000 active-duty soldiers. However, reports indicate that some units have seen a 30% drop in reservist turnout since the offensive resumed in March.

A group of reservists from the elite Unit 8200, Israel’s largest military intelligence division, recently published an open letter calling for an immediate end to the war, even if it means negotiating with Hamas. The letter criticized the government’s strategy, stating that the war serves “political and personal interests” rather than national security.

In response, the Israeli military announced it would dismiss air force reservists who signed the letter. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar condemned the dissent, emphasizing that soldiers must remain apolitical. Nonetheless, the protest movement within the military appears to be growing.

One reservist, Yuval Ben-Ari, who had served in Gaza and Lebanon, said he would no longer respond to call-ups. “This is not a war to defend our country,” he said. “It’s something else entirely. The government says the offensive is to pressure Hamas, but I don’t believe it’s working. We’re losing precious time and lives.”

Ceasefire Negotiations Remain Stalled

Despite reports of a softened Israeli stance, including a willingness to reduce the number of hostages required for a deal and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, Hamas insists it has not received any new formal proposals. Egyptian mediators continue to facilitate discussions, and U.S. officials have expressed support for a negotiated resolution.

A proposed deal reportedly under discussion would involve the release of eight living hostages and eight bodies in exchange for a 40- to 70-day truce and a significant release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas has made clear that its priority is a permanent ceasefire, not a temporary pause.

Protests Expand Internationally

Pro-Palestinian protests have also intensified globally, with demonstrations taking place in cities across the United States and Canada. Activists have condemned the resumption of Israeli airstrikes and called for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. Events such as the “Nakba 77 Rally” in New York and weekly vigils in cities like Baltimore and Houston have drawn attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Organizers have urged supporters to participate in actions ranging from sit-ins to benefit concerts, emphasizing the need for international solidarity. “Every 45 minutes, Israel murders another Palestinian child,” read one protest flyer. “We will not accept this as normal.”

Humanitarian Toll and International Concerns

Since the war began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, the humanitarian toll in Gaza has been catastrophic. According to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than two million residents have been displaced.

The United Nations and various human rights organizations have raised alarms about the scale of destruction and the lack of access to humanitarian aid. The situation has prompted calls for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of safe corridors for civilians.

References

People Also Ask...

faq

How is the dissent among Israeli reservists impacting the military's strategy in Gaza?

faq

How might the dissent among Israeli reservists impact the military's tech operations, especially with Unit 8200 involved?

faq

Why are so many Israelis supporting a permanent ceasefire with Hamas now?