Israel Launches First Airstrikes Since Ceasefire
The fragile calm in the Middle East has been broken as Israel launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The attacks represent the first major military flare-up since a tenuous, US-brokered ceasefire ended 11 days of intense conflict just last month, raising fears of a return to wider violence.
Why Did Israel Launch the Airstrikes?
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, stating the strikes were a direct retaliation for incendiary balloons launched from Gaza into southern Israel. These balloons, carrying flammable materials, reportedly ignited several fires in Israeli farming communities near the border.
In a statement, the IDF specified that its fighter jets targeted military compounds belonging to Hamas, the militant group that governs the Gaza Strip. The facilities were allegedly used for operational meetings and planning militant activities.
A First Test for Bennett’s New Government
This aggressive military response is the first significant test for Israel’s new, ideologically diverse coalition government, led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. For Bennett, a right-wing hardliner known for his tough stance against Palestinian militants, the action sends a clear signal. It projects continuity and strength, demonstrating to both domestic rivals and Hamas that a change in leadership does not mean a change in military policy toward Gaza.
Fragile Ceasefire Under Threat
The timing of the airstrikes is deeply concerning for the international community. They come just weeks after an Egyptian and US-brokered ceasefire halted a brutal conflict that killed over 250 Palestinians and 13 people in Israel. Following the truce, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the region to reinforce the agreement and pledge aid for Gaza’s reconstruction. Today’s events unwind much of that fragile progress, pushing the region back towards the brink of conflict.
While no immediate casualties were reported from the Israeli strikes, the psychological impact on Gaza’s two million residents is immense. The renewed sound of explosions is a terrifying reminder of how quickly their reality can descend into violence.
Implications for India’s Diplomatic Balance
For New Delhi, this development requires continued vigilance. India has consistently maintained a delicate diplomatic balance, fostering a robust strategic partnership with Israel while also voicing steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. During the last conflict, India’s statement at the UN Security Council called for immediate de-escalation and reiterated its support for a two-state solution. This fresh escalation will once again test that balance as India navigates its relationships in the volatile region.
Ceasefire, Not Peace: What Happens Next?
The future remains uncertain. The core issues fuelling the Israel-Gaza conflict—the ongoing blockade of Gaza, the expansion of Israeli settlements, and the contested status of Jerusalem—remain unresolved. These airstrikes are a stark reminder that the ceasefire was not a peace agreement, but merely a pause. Without a genuine political process to address the root causes of the conflict, the people of the region seem destined to remain trapped in a tragic and recurring cycle of violence.
