Israel launches fresh drone strikes on Gaza as conflict escalates

Tensions in Gaza have escalated as Israel continues military strikes and economic measures against the Palestinian enclave.

Thus, Israeli forces carried out a series of drone strikes on Gaza City on March 11. The strikes come as Israeli soldiers continue to block the opening of checkpoints and prevent the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

On March 9, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen ordered an immediate cutoff of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, further intensifying the situation. The restrictions on aid deliveries follow a decision made on March 2, when Israeli troops blocked humanitarian convoys and sealed all border crossings. According to Israel’s Kan TV channel, this move was linked to Hamas' refusal to accept a settlement plan proposed by US special envoy Steven Witkoff.

Kan also reported on March 3 that Israel was prepared to resume full-scale military operations in Gaza if Hamas did not agree to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and release all remaining hostages. Israeli forces plan to gradually increase pressure on Hamas, including maintaining the blockade on humanitarian aid access.

The current hostilities follow a fragile truce established on January 19, marking the second ceasefire agreement during the war. Under the first phase of the truce, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages (including eight remains), while Israel freed about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This phase ended on March 2, with Israel estimating that 59 individuals remain in Hamas captivity, at least 32 of whom are presumed dead.

Israel has agreed to a US proposal to extend the truce through Ramadan (until March 29) and Pesach (April 12–19). However, Hamas has rejected the plan, insisting on progressing to the second phase of the agreement, which calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of all remaining hostages.

The Wall Street Journal reported on March 8 that Israel has formulated a strategy to pressure Hamas amid stalled negotiations over the truce extension. This plan includes escalating military actions, potentially leading to another Israeli ground operation in Gaza. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the next measures, following the aid blockade, could include cutting off water and electricity supplies to the territory.

Israel’s actions are being closely coordinated with the US. On March 5, US President Donald Trump demanded that Hamas release all hostages, return the bodies of those killed, and withdraw from Gaza. “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, no Hamas member will be safe unless you do what I say,” Trump emphasized.

By Tamilla Hasanova