Israel’s Netanyahu says media echoes ‘Hamas propaganda’ as Gaza war resumes

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a bold statement on Tuesday amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, declaring that peace negotiations will only resume under the condition of continued fighting. Netanyahu accused Hamas of refusing to engage in negotiations and return hostages, while also criticizing the media for spreading what he called “lies” and “propaganda” about his motives for escalating the conflict.

In his public address, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, stating that they had made numerous efforts to reach a ceasefire and negotiate with Hamas, but were met with rejection at every turn. He emphasized that Israel does not target Palestinian civilians, but rather focuses on eliminating Hamas terrorists, who often use civilians as human shields.

The Israeli military launched a large-scale bombing campaign on Tuesday, breaking a ceasefire that had been in place since late January. The offensive mission resulted in a significant number of casualties, with at least 404 people reported dead according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Netanyahu vowed that this was just the beginning of Israel’s response to Hamas aggression.

In a separate development, Israel intercepted a missile from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, further escalating tensions in the region. The Prime Minister warned that Israel was determined to change the face of the Middle East and continue to apply military pressure until all hostages were returned safely.

Despite criticism from European leaders, the White House expressed support for Israel’s actions, attributing the renewed conflict to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages. The United States has stood by Israel throughout the crisis, with Netanyahu expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from President Trump.

During the two-month ceasefire period, 33 hostages were successfully returned to Israel in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, 59 hostages are still believed to be in Hamas’ captivity, with some feared dead. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to bringing all hostages home and holding Hamas accountable for their actions.

Overall, the situation in Gaza remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.