Hamas launched a barrage of rockets into Israeli territory, marking the first such attack in months, as Israeli troops expanded their ground operations across Gaza, including a raid on Rafah in southern Gaza and actions near Beit Lahiya in the north. The collapse of a two-month cease-fire has brought the fighting back to the brink of a full-scale war. Despite street protests in Israel, the Israeli government approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency. Our Jerusalem bureau chief, Patrick Kingsley, offers further insight into the situation, noting that Israel’s leadership wants both the safe return of Hamas’s hostages and the defeat of Hamas, but Hamas is unlikely to surrender the hostages without guarantees of their survival. Patrick addresses whether the protests in Israel feel more impactful this time and explains that Netanyahu is prioritizing the passing of a state budget, which requires the support of right-wing lawmakers who favor the return to war.
As for President Trump’s Gaza plan, his proposal to expel Gaza’s population was stated to be merely a recommendation and that no Palestinians would be expelled. His aides clarified that it was an attempt to provoke Arab leaders into suggesting a viable alternative. Several Arab leaders, led by Egypt, later proposed their own plan for Gaza’s governance after the war, but it was quickly rejected by the Israeli government.
Russia and Ukraine traded strikes as the U.S. works to establish a partial cease-fire. Ukraine attacked an airfield deep inside Russia’s Saratov region, killing at least five people and injuring 26 others, according to local authorities.
The Kremlin announced that preparations are underway for a new round of Russia-U.S. talks to be held on Monday in Saudi Arabia, with Ukraine also sending representatives to meet U.S. officials. U.S. President Trump proposed the U.S. controlling Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, raising questions about the implications for Ukraine.
In other news, British comedian George Lewis has gained online popularity by sharing humorous observations about millennial parenting. The Lives Lived section features Hugues Oyarzabal, a pioneering surfer who died at 39 and is remembered for his achievements in capturing spectacular surfing feats on camera. The enduring appeal of the British series “Peep Show” is also explored, highlighting its influence on a generation of mortifying comedies. Finally, a message from Natasha concludes the briefing, inviting readers to connect with her and the team via briefing@nytimes.com.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/briefing/gaza-ukraine-trump.html
