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Netanyahu’s Hard-Line Ally Welcomes Return to Fighting in Gaza 

Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
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Netanyahu’s Hard-Line Ally Welcomes Return to Fighting in Gaza 

Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)

A key governing partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the return to fighting in Gaza.

Bezalel Smotrich had threatened to leave the government if fighting did not resume, which would imperil Netanyahu’s rule. Critics said those political considerations were influencing Netanyahu’s wartime decision-making.

"We remained in the government for this moment despite our opposition to the (ceasefire) deal, and we are more determined than ever to complete the task and destroy Hamas," Smotrich posted on X.

Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, according to hospital officials. The surprise bombardment shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.

Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel's actions.

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Iraq Counts Citizens in Syria’s Al-Hol, Plans Reintegration Efforts

Families, including children, in al-Hol camp await transfer to Iraq – camp administration
Families, including children, in al-Hol camp await transfer to Iraq – camp administration
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Iraq Counts Citizens in Syria’s Al-Hol, Plans Reintegration Efforts

Families, including children, in al-Hol camp await transfer to Iraq – camp administration
Families, including children, in al-Hol camp await transfer to Iraq – camp administration

Iraq said around 16,000 of its citizens remain in Syria’s al-Hol camp, which houses families linked to ISIS.
Ali Abdullah, an official at the National Security Advisory, said on Friday that the camp hosts people of various nationalities, but Iraqi authorities are focusing on the humanitarian and security needs of their own citizens, who make up 16,000 of the camp’s population.
Iraq is urging other countries to repatriate their citizens from Syria’s al-Hol camp, warning that their prolonged presence poses a threat to regional security, a senior official said, as Baghdad continues efforts to bring its nationals home.
Ali Abdullah, also head of Iraq’s Counter-Extremism Committee, told state media that the government is working to return Iraqis from al-Hol, with large numbers being received at the Jadaa camp near Mosul.
“We are facilitating their reintegration and return to their home areas,” he said.
Abdullah said Iraq has a “clear vision” for promoting moderation and will launch several key programs by 2025 across provinces and ministries, including initiatives to integrate displaced Iraqis returning from camps.
The Iraqi government has decided to close all displacement camps, prompting the national committee to draft plans for reintegrating returnees into their original communities, according to the National Security Advisory.
Iraqi authorities have also been grappling with the fallout from a recent US decision to cut funding for humanitarian organizations operating in the country.
On March 10, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an 83% reduction in US Agency for International Development (USAID) programs following a six-week review, affecting aid projects for displaced people.
On March 13, Iraq repatriated more than 150 Iraqi families from al-Hol to the Jadaa camp, an Iraqi security official said.
Al-Hol, one of the largest camps in northeast Syria, is under the control of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It was established in 1991 during the Gulf War to shelter Iraqi families fleeing to Syria.