Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that planning for renewed military actions in Gaza started after Eyal Zamir became Chief of Staff. Recent escalations have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, violating a ceasefire agreement. Smotrich opposes negotiations with Hamas, emphasizing a commitment to military objectives, complicating the situation in Gaza amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Finance Minister, announced on Tuesday that planning for a resumption of military operations in Gaza commenced following the appointment of Eyal Zamir as Chief of Staff. He stated on the platform X that the Israeli military’s renewed offensive in Gaza has been in preparation for several weeks since Zamir’s assumption of office.
Eyal Zamir, who took over in early March from Herzi Halevi, has approved new military strategies aimed at intensifying actions in Gaza. These strategies include escalating airstrikes, increasing ground movements, and evacuating northern Gaza, as well as preparations to mobilize large numbers of reserve soldiers during states of emergency.
On Tuesday, Israel unexpectedly escalated its military campaign in Gaza, citing Hamas’s rejection of offers from U.S. envoy Steve Wietkoff and others as justification for this action. Reports indicate that by 08:10 (UTC), Israeli attacks had resulted in the death of 326 Palestinians, with numerous others injured, marking a significant breach of the ceasefire established in January.
Additionally, Smotrich expressed his disapproval of any negotiations between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the determination to eradicate Hamas. He conditioned his political participation on the execution of initial phases of the ceasefire agreement, stating his support for military operations should the agreement’s terms not be honored.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19 and concluded on March 1, 2025, involved mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and U.S. officials. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Netanyahu has refrained from implementing the second phase of the agreement, which would address the release of additional Israeli prisoners and the cessation of military actions in Gaza, undermining the original terms agreed upon.
In summary, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has indicated that military operations in Gaza have been planned since Eyal Zamir became Chief of Staff. The recent escalation in hostilities has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Smotrich’s firm stance against negotiations with Hamas underscores a commitment to military action, which complicates the already tense situation regarding the ceasefire agreement. This ongoing conflict continues to impact the civilian population severely, as evidenced by recent casualties during the military operations.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
