Following Israel’s resumption of attacks in Gaza, Hamas released a statement. Hamas clarified that they did not reject the ceasefire proposal in Gaza by US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. In a written statement, Hamas Spokesperson Abdullatif El-Kanu reminded that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu resumed attacks on Gaza Strip to thwart the agreement reached. Kanu emphasized that Hamas did not reject Witkoff’s proposal regarding a prisoner exchange, stating, “The movement remains in constant contact with mediators, displaying a responsible and positive approach towards halting aggression and lifting the blockade. The occupiers closed crossings, tightened the siege, blocked aid entry, and rejected the second phase of negotiations to break the agreement and restart the war.” Hamas accepted the proposal for the transfer of the remains of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander and 4 individuals who were both US and Israeli citizens, but Witkoff deemed this response “unacceptable.” ISRAEL VIOLATES CEASEFIRE The Israeli army resumed violent attacks in Gaza following the ceasefire that took effect on January 19. The morning airstrikes in Gaza on March 18 resulted in the deaths of at least 400 people, the majority being women and children, and over 500 Palestinians were injured. A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office indicated that the attacks were initiated under the directives of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz. Israel, violating the ceasefire, announced that they would act against Hamas with “increasing military power.” Hamas, on the other hand, stated that “Israel did not keep its promises and resumed its genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza in front of mediator countries by failing to fulfill its responsibilities.” The families of Israeli prisoners in Gaza accused the Netanyahu government of “abandoning the prisoners” and stated that the government’s excuse for restarting the war to bring back the captives was “a complete deception.” Opposition parties in Israel also pointed out the resumption of attacks amidst controversial political actions like dismissing the Shin Bet Director by Prime Minister Netanyahu.