In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel unleashed a massive aerial assault on Gaza, dropping 153 tonnes of bombs in a single day, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The strikes were reportedly in retaliation for an alleged ceasefire violation by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. Netanyahu, addressing the Knesset, emphasized Israel’s dual approach of strength and diplomacy, stating, ‘One of our hands holds a weapon, the other hand is stretched out for peace.’ He further asserted that peace is achievable only with the strong, not the weak, and highlighted Israel’s current unprecedented strength. The recent violence follows the killing of two Israeli soldiers in an attack attributed to Hamas, which the group has denied. Amidst the turmoil, Netanyahu met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss regional developments and the fragile US-brokered ceasefire. US Vice President JD Vance is also scheduled to visit Israel to address security challenges and diplomatic opportunities. Vance has urged Gulf Arab nations to establish a security framework to disarm Hamas, a key component of the US-led Gaza peace initiative.