But the second phase never started after Netanyahu said he had accepted a plan by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, to extend the high fire for 50 days to discuss phase two, a proposal that was immediately rejected by Hamas.
After Hamas’ rejection, Israel blocked the flow of aid and goods in Gaza in a movement condemned by the rights groups.
Israel’s army called on Tuesday’s strikes “preventive” and suggested without providing any evidence that Hamas was trying to reissue.
Pressure at home
Since the beginning of the war, Netanyahu has faced significant and conflicting pressures of several parties within Israel, while attracting international criticism generalized by the behavior of the Israeli army and the increase in death in Gaza.
The hostage families taken during Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, have requested an agreement that would see the release of their loved ones. Around 250 people were taken captive that day and 1,200 killed, according to the many Israeli. More than 48,000 people have died in Gaza in the Israeli military campaign since then, according to health officials in the enclave.
But the extreme right members of the Israeli government, including finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to quit if Israel moves to the second phase of the agreement, while asking for the total annihilation of Hamas.
If that happens, it is most likely that it would generate early elections, and Netanyahu, who is currently in trial for accusations of inhalation, could be expelled from power.
