Israeli forces launched intense airstrikes across Gaza on the 18th, resulting in at least 412 deaths. The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said that Israel bears full responsibility for the escalation of the conflict, claiming the ceasefire agreement was overturned by Israel.

Analysts point out that the stark differences between Israel and Hamas have stalled the second phase of ceasefire talks regarding Gaza, leading to a rapid deterioration and loss of control over the situation. Both sides have now returned to a state of conflict, with no clear timeline for when a ceasefire might be restored.

Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement on the Gaza Strip on January 15. During the first phase of the ceasefire, both sides exchanged some detainees, but the process was fraught with setbacks, with each side repeatedly accusing the other of violating the agreement.

Analysts point out that Israel's main demand is for Hamas to quickly release all Israeli captives, while Hamas insists on a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and a permanent ceasefire.

Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, pointed out that the stalled second-phase negotiations not only exposed deep divisions among the parties but also led to further deterioration of the situation. "Due to the US favoritism toward Israel and the Israeli pressure, Hamas has become hesitant about releasing the remaining detainees, effectively undermining the foundation of the ceasefire agreement," Ding said.

Analysts believe that Israel's recent actions targeting multiple Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties, have shattered the foundation of the previously reached ceasefire agreement. The airstrikes by the Israeli military are likely a precursor to a larger-scale military operation, making it difficult to predict when a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip might be achieved again.

According to Ding, considering the strong support of the US for Israel, the rise of right-wing forces within Israel, and Hamas's delay in releasing the detained Israeli personnel, the foundation for ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas no longer exists and the situation is likely to deteriorate further. While efforts from various mediating forces will continue to work towards restoring the ceasefire, the challenges remain significant.

With the Gaza Strip once again engulfed in conflict, there are growing concerns that the situation in the Middle East may become even more unstable. Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi  previously said that the collapse of the ceasefire agreement on the Gaza Strip would not only plunge the Gaza Strip back into hell but also throw the entire Middle East region into anxiety, uncertainty, and chaos.