Ceasefire Collapses as Israel Responds to Hamas's 'Existence'
According to Al-Monitor, Israel launched "deadly strikes" in Gaza, alleging a response to Hamas attacks, which Hamas denied, calling it a "pretext." This framing conveniently omits the historical playbook: a cessation of hostilities is routinely followed by Israeli military action, then a declaration of 'self-defense' against 'violations.' Netanyahu's government has repeatedly used this exact
rhetoric to justify campaigns in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021. One might wonder if any ceasefire truly holds when one party can unilaterally define its violation. Perhaps the 'threat' to the ceasefire wasn't in any alleged Hamas action, but in the Israeli government's strategic timing, which often coincides with internal political pressures or the need to 'punish' Gaza economically. The world is
constantly told a 'ceasefire is under strain,' but never truly asked who is doing the straining.