In a robust assertion of its national security, Israel has initiated a series of decisive airstrikes against Hamas terror strongholds in the Gaza Strip. This resolute action follows Hamas’s refusal to release Israeli hostages and its ongoing threats against Israeli safety.
Early Tuesday morning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) executed comprehensive airstrikes across Gaza, marking the most significant military engagement since the January ceasefire agreement.
In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.
— IDF
[source]
The Israeli military has instructed residents to evacuate eastern Gaza and move toward the center after a series of airstrikes, signaling potential renewed ground operations, as reported by AP.
WATCH:
Israeli airstrikes are now targeting locations across Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is over.
— Trey Yingst
[source]
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made it clear that the renewed attacks were prompted by Hamas’s refusal to release additional hostages, after releasing 33 captives during the initial ceasefire phase. Katz stated, “Last night, we resumed fighting in Gaza due to Hamas’ refusal to release the hostages and its threats to harm [Israeli] soldiers and Israeli communities. If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza, and Hamas’ murderers and rapists will face the IDF with unprecedented force. We will not stop fighting until all the hostages return home and all war objectives are achieved.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel consulted the Trump administration before launching the airstrikes on Gaza.
In a Fox News interview, Leavitt said, “The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight.” She continued, “As President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose.”
Leavitt further emphasized, “All of the terrorists in the Middle East, again, the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iranian-backed terror proxies in Iran themselves, should take President Trump very seriously when he says he is not afraid to stand for law-abiding people. He is not afraid to stand up for the United States of America and our friend and our ally, Israel.”
President Trump previously warned that failure to comply by his Inauguration Day would bring severe consequences for the region. “All hell will break out. If they’re not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East. It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone. All hell will break out,” Trump warned.
Following Trump’s ultimatum, Hamas expressed willingness to negotiate a ceasefire with Israel. However, during the previous ceasefire, Hamas violated the terms.
WATCH:
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms that Israel warned the Trump administration in advance of tonight’s strikes on Gaza. She declares that Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran will face consequences for threatening Israel’s security. Leavitt reaffirms unwavering U.S.…
— Shadow of Ezra
[source]
