Update 17:30 March 23:
It has now been 21 days since Israel resumed its bombing campaign in Gaza on March 3, following the breakdown of the March 2 ceasefire framework. For 17 of those days, Hamas did not respond militarily, even as Israeli airstrikes intensified across the strip. On March 20, Hamas launched three rockets—its only recorded military action since the ceasefire collapsed. No casualties or significant damage were reported, and Hamas has not fired again in the three days since. Israel, by contrast, has continued nightly bombings, with strikes reported again last night in Rafah and Khan Younis. The pattern puts to bed further questions about who broke the ceasefire, as it’s clearly the one who continues to break it.
Original Reporting:
Hamas officials have signaled renewed interest in restoring a ceasefire in Gaza, even as the Israeli military continues to escalate its airstrikes and ground operations in the region. The outreach comes amid growing pressure from international mediators and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe on the ground.
Speaking through official channels, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou reiterated the group’s willingness to engage in negotiations aimed at halting the war and ensuring the full withdrawal of Israeli forces. The statement follows the collapse of a fragile truce that had begun in January and was supposed to progress into a second phase on March 2, a step that Israel has since refused to honor.
While Qatar, Egypt, and the United States continue to mediate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly rejected Hamas’s latest ceasefire overtures, insisting that military operations will continue until all hostages are released. Israel’s intensified bombing campaign this week has further complicated efforts, with civilian death tolls rising sharply across northern and central Gaza.
A U.S. ceasefire bridge proposal, reportedly under review by Hamas, would involve a temporary pause to facilitate renewed talks and humanitarian access. But Israel’s renewed offensive—now entering its sixth consecutive night—has undermined any momentum toward de-escalation.
According to Reuters and Xinhua, the Israeli Defense Forces are employing increased pressure tactics to force Hamas into concessions. Yet as of today, Hamas have only fired 3 rockets in retaliation, maintaining a position observers say is consistent with its stated commitment to negotiations.
Human rights organizations and international observers continue to warn that Israel’s actions constitute a breach of international humanitarian law, particularly given the ongoing blockade of aid and destruction of civilian infrastructure. With over 30,000 dead and entire neighborhoods flattened, the call for renewed diplomacy is growing louder—even as Israel’s leadership shows no sign of restraint.
Reported by Casey Clearview for The Crustian Daily.
