The Israeli government has launched a large-scale air offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip following repeated refusals by the terror group to release Israeli hostages. The decision was announced overnight by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, who stated that Hamas had rejected all proposals mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and other intermediaries.

The Israeli Air Force commenced a series of targeted strikes against Hamas positions across Gaza, marking the most extensive aerial assault on the group since the conclusion of last year’s ground manoeuvre. Military sources indicate that the operation, meticulously planned in secrecy, aims to neutralize high-ranking Hamas leaders, weapons storage facilities, and underground tunnel networks.

The new Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is commanding the operation together with Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar from the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv. According to security officials, the offensive will continue for as long as necessary and may expand beyond aerial strikes if deemed appropriate.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing the urgency of the situation, has been granted permission to postpone his scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, as the air campaign takes precedence.

The White House has confirmed that it was informed in advance of Israel’s military action. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated that former President Donald Trump warned, “Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran will face severe consequences for their actions against Israel and the United States.”

Meanwhile, Hamas has condemned the Israeli offensive, accusing Netanyahu’s government of “renewing aggression against defenceless civilians in Gaza.” The group further warned that the cancellation of the ceasefire agreement endangers Israeli hostages held in the enclave. Palestinian sources report over 200 fatalities in Gaza, including several high-ranking Hamas officials, among them Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the head of Hamas’s Interior Ministry.

With the renewed hostilities, the IDF Home Front Command has adjusted security measures in border communities, restricting educational activities in areas near Gaza while maintaining regular activity levels in western Negev and Lachish regions.

Defense Minister Katz emphasized that military pressure will continue until all Israeli hostages are freed and all strategic war objectives are achieved. “If Hamas does not release the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza,” he warned.

As the conflict escalates, Israel braces for potential retaliatory attacks, while diplomatic channels remain strained amid growing concerns over regional stability.

Main image credit: On the right, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Air Force commander Tomer Bar, in Kirya headquarters. ( Photo: IDF Spokesperson )