Tue Mar 18 01:56:19 UTC 2025: ## Israel Launches Major Strikes on Gaza, Killing Dozens, After Hostage Talks Stall
**DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip –** Israel launched a major offensive in Gaza on March 18, 2025, killing at least 121 Palestinians and wounding hundreds more, after talks on the release of remaining hostages stalled. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that the strikes, the heaviest since a January ceasefire, targeted Hamas positions in response to Hamas’ refusal to release its hostages and reject offers of mediation by the U.S. The statement further indicated that Israel would increase military force against Hamas.
A senior Hamas official claimed Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire agreement, which followed a 17-month war and saw the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners. While the ceasefire had held for nearly two months, tensions remained high, with Israeli forces previously killing Palestinians who approached their troops or entered restricted areas.
The current impasse centers on the release of remaining hostages. Israel demands the release of half the remaining hostages before negotiating a lasting truce, while Hamas seeks to adhere to the original ceasefire agreement, which calls for negotiations on the release of the remaining hostages (24 living and 35 deceased) and the subsequent withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are mediating the situation.
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