Fri Mar 21 17:17:16 UTC 2025: ## Renewed Gaza Conflict: Israel Launches Ground Offensive, Casualties Mount

**JERUSALEM, March 21, 2025** – Renewed violence erupted in Gaza today as Israel launched a ground offensive, shattering a previously agreed-upon ceasefire. The escalation follows Hamas’ rejection of a new Israeli proposal regarding the release of remaining hostages. Sirens sounded in Ashkelon after two rockets were fired from Gaza, which Israel intercepted.

A family of four, along with two other children, were killed in an explosion east of Gaza City. While witnesses and a local hospital confirmed the casualties, the Israeli army has yet to comment. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel’s operations in Gaza will intensify until Hamas releases all hostages, stating that continued refusal will result in further territorial losses for Hamas.

The conflict’s resurgence comes after nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed since Tuesday, March 18, when Israel ended a truce that had facilitated the release of 25 hostages in exchange for the release of nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. The earlier ceasefire was part of a three-phase plan involving a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the return of all hostages. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to engage in substantive negotiations beyond the initial hostage exchange, instead pushing for a new ceasefire plan proposed by the U.S. This plan, which Hamas rejected, demanded the release of half of the remaining hostages in exchange for an extension, without offering the release of additional Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas insists on releasing the remaining hostages only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal, as per the original agreement. They have expressed willingness to cede power to the Palestinian Authority or a committee of independents, but refuse to disarm until Israel ends its occupation.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Supreme Court temporarily halted the dismissal of Shin Bet security service head Ronen Bar, following a unanimous cabinet vote for his removal. The Attorney General ruled the dismissal lacked legal basis. Hamas condemned Bar’s dismissal, citing it as evidence of internal Israeli crisis. The court will hear an appeal by April 8.

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