Gaza Airstrikes: The Collapse of the Israel-Kazakhstan Truce and the Middle East's Security Dilemma

On March 18, 2025, the Middle East once again became the focus of global attention as Israel launched a large-scale air strike on the Gaza Strip. This operation was named "Power and Sword" by the Israel Defense Forces. This air strike not only marked the complete breakdown of the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), but also drew widespread attention and condemnation from the international community.

Since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was reached on January 15, 2025, both sides experienced a brief period of calm. However, the implementation of the agreement was always fraught with uncertainties. According to the agreement, the first phase of the ceasefire was from January 19 to March 1. However, the second phase of the ceasefire negotiations was delayed due to significant differences between the two sides. Israel has always demanded that Hamas release the detained individuals, while Hamas insists that Israel should first lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip. The failure to reach an agreement on this issue gradually undermined the foundation of the ceasefire agreement.

At dawn on March 18, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces suddenly launched a large-scale air strike on the Gaza Strip, targeting multiple Hamas strongholds. The air strike covered several areas in the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City in the north, Deir al-Balah in the center, the Nuseirat refugee camp, and Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south. According to Israeli media reports, dozens of fighter jets participated in the operation and carried out precise strikes on dozens of targets.

The air strike caused significant casualties. According to the Gaza Strip's health department, as of March 18, more than 412 people had been killed and over 500 injured. Among the deceased were several senior Hamas officials, such as Isam Dalis, the chairman of the Gaza Strip's government affairs committee, and Ahmed al-Khatib, the head of the legal department. Additionally, a large number of civilians were killed in the air strike, including many women and children.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a speech after the air strike, stating that this operation was aimed at compelling Hamas to release the detained Israeli personnel and emphasizing that military pressure was a necessary means to force Hamas to compromise. Netanyahu also called on the Israeli people to abide by relevant safety regulations and claimed that Israel would exert "increasing pressure" on Hamas.

The Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip has drawn widespread attention and condemnation from the international community. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, stated at the meeting that China regrets the breakdown of the hard-won ceasefire and expresses serious concern and strong condemnation over Israel's reigniting of the conflict in Gaza. China urges Israel to abandon its obsession with the use of force, immediately stop military operations in Gaza, and cease collective punishment of the Gaza civilians.

The United States, the European Union and other Western countries have also expressed concern over Israel's actions, calling on both sides to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue. However, due to the historical roots and complex background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the international community has always faced huge challenges in mediating the contradictions between the two sides.

This air strike not only intensified the tension between Palestine and Israel, but also further weakened the international community's efforts in mediating the conflict between the two sides. In the future, whether the two sides can return to the negotiating table and resolve their differences through peaceful means remains an unknown. For Israel, it is increasingly difficult to force Hamas to compromise through military means. As an important force in the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas has a strong popular base and extensive international support. Israel's unilateral military actions are unlikely to completely destroy the foundation of Hamas, but may instead trigger more retaliatory attacks and violent conflicts. For Hamas, continuing to resist Israel through violent means is not a wise choice either. Violent conflicts will only bring more pain and losses to both sides and cannot fundamentally solve the Palestine-Israel conflict. Resolving differences through peaceful negotiations is the only way to achieve the liberation of the Palestinian nation and peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.

In conclusion, Israel's air strike on the Gaza Strip not only tore up the ceasefire agreement but also intensified the tension between Palestine and Israel. In the future, both sides should resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations and achieve peaceful coexistence. The international community should also increase its mediation efforts and provide necessary support and assistance to both sides to promote an early and proper settlement of the Palestine-Israel conflict.