Part 5/10:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the strikes as an escalation in response to Hamas's refusal to extend the ceasefire or release remaining hostages. This marked a dramatic shift, as the prior negotiations surrounding the ceasefire, which had successfully facilitated the release of a number of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, had rapidly deteriorated. Both sides were entangled in a complex web of political demands and failed negotiations, each anticipating an attack from the other as the truce neared its expiration.