Israel and Hamas have been stalled in negotiations for weeks, attempting to extend the ceasefire in Gaza and arrange for the exchange of more hostages. Hamas had refused to release large numbers of hostages unless Israel promised to end the war permanently. Now, Israel has launched heavy overnight attacks on Gaza, returning to war. While the attacks did not entail a ground invasion, they were meant to serve as a reminder to Hamas of the destruction it faces. The strikes killed hundreds, including both civilians and combatants, as well as four of the most senior civilian administrators and police chiefs in the area. 

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-hamas-war.html