The U.S. is putting the blame squarely on Hamas for the renewed violence in Gaza, with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, saying the group had plenty of chances to avoid further conflict.
Speaking on Fox News, Witkoff argued that Hamas could have agreed to a ceasefire plan that would have allowed talks on demilitarization and a long-term truce, but instead, they chose to continue fighting. He emphasized that the U.S. is open to diplomatic talks but made it clear that, in Washington’s view, Hamas is the aggressor.
Tensions flared again after Israel resumed heavy strikes on Gaza on March 18, following the collapse of a ceasefire that had been in place since January. Since then, more than 670 Palestinians, mostly women, children, and elderly individuals, have been killed, with over 1,200 others injured.
The conflict, which reignited on October 7, 2023, has seen at least 50,021 Palestinians killed and over 113,000 wounded due to Israeli attacks. Israel has vowed to intensify its military operations against Hamas, rejecting new ceasefire proposals.
Hamas, on the other hand, accuses Israel of breaking agreements made with mediators and continuing what they call a campaign of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The latest escalation is happening alongside political drama in Israel, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s controversial decision to fire Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
