You Make Peace With The Strong: PM Netanyahu Shares Israel Dropped 153 Tonnes Of Bombs On Gaza
Tensions in the Middle East flared again after Israel accused Hamas of violating the fragile ceasefire with a deadly attack on Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) troops in Rafah, which killed two soldiers. In retaliation, Israel launched massive airstrikes across Gaza, dropping 153 tonnes of bombs on what PM Benjamin Netanyahu described as “dozens of Hamas targets, including senior commanders.”
Hamas, however, denied involvement in the Rafah incident, calling Israel’s response “an act of aggression.” Addressing the Israeli parliament (Knesset) during its winter session, Netanyahu defended the strikes as necessary to protect Israeli citizens and restore deterrence.
“One of our hands holds a weapon, the other hand is stretched out for peace. You make peace with the strong, not the weak. Today, Israel is stronger than ever before,” the Israel Prime Minister said and vowed the campaign “is not over” until Hamas’s military and governing capabilities are destroyed.
Netanyahu further added that Israel remains committed to bringing home all hostages, both living and slain. “We strengthened Israel’s deterrence, we straightened our posture, we brought back our hostages — and we will bring back those still held in Gaza,” he stated.
How has the ceasefire been impacted?
The fragile truce, brokered in recent months by regional mediators and US President Donald Trump, has been repeatedly tested by isolated attacks and retaliatory strikes. The Rafah assault marks the most serious breach since the ceasefire came into effect, pushing both sides back to the brink of renewed conflict.
Israel’s Rafah border crossing remains closed, with officials citing Hamas’s non-cooperation, a move that has left thousands of Palestinians stranded, unable to travel for medical or family reasons since May 2024.
A look the human costs on the ground
According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, at least 33 people were killed in the latest wave of Israeli airstrikes. The health ministry in Gaza reported that more than 68,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023, with thousands still missing under the rubble.
Meanwhile, Hamas returned two coffins of Israeli hostages, bringing the total number of returned remains to 12.
What is Israel’s endgame in Gaza?
Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s long-term objective, the complete neutralisation of Hamas’s military infrastructure. He insisted that the ceasefire does not grant Hamas impunity, warning that any future provocation will invite a “very heavy price.”
“Peace is made with the strong. Today, everyone knows that Israel is a strong country,” Israeli PM Netanyahu declared, projecting both military resolve and diplomatic readiness.
The renewed escalation has raised alarm across regional and global capitals, threatening to derail ongoing efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to stabilise Gaza. US President Donald Trump has, however, suggested that the ceasefire he brokered was still in place, adding that Hamas leadership may not be involved in the violations.
