THE ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has officially ended, with Israeli warplanes launching strikes on Gaza after Hamas repeatedly refused to agree to hostage release deals, according to officials.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the military operation, stating that strikes were carried out on Hamas targets “to achieve the war objectives set by political leaders, including securing the release of all hostages—both the living and the deceased,” as noted in a statement from Defense Minister Israel Katz’s office.
“This decision follows Hamas’ repeated refusal to release hostages and its rejection of all proposals put forward by U.S. President’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other mediators,” the statement read.
Israeli authorities indicated that military actions against Hamas would escalate.
“Under political directives, the IDF and Shin Bet are conducting extensive attacks on Hamas terror targets across the Gaza Strip,” a joint statement from the IDF and Israel’s internal security agency said.
An Israeli official informed one media source that the IDF launched preemptive strikes targeting mid-ranking Hamas commanders, leadership figures, and key terrorist infrastructure.
The official stated that the offensive would extend beyond airstrikes and continue as long as necessary.
The strikes were strategically planned based on intelligence regarding Hamas’ preparations for further attacks and efforts to rebuild its forces.
Due to security concerns, authorities decided to keep schools and educational facilities in the Gaza Envelope closed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Hamas had “rejected all offers” presented by U.S. and international mediators.
“Tonight, we resumed military operations in Gaza due to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages and its threats against IDF soldiers and Israeli communities,” Katz said. “If Hamas does not release all hostages, Gaza will face devastating consequences, and Hamas’ militants will encounter IDF forces like never before.”
He reiterated that Israel would “continue fighting until every hostage is returned home and all war objectives are achieved.”
Hamas, in response, condemned Netanyahu and Israel, accusing them of “brutal aggression” and holding them “fully responsible for the repercussions” of the renewed attacks.
The group called for an emergency U.N. Security Council session to demand Israel cease military operations and withdraw from Gaza. Hamas also urged Muslim nations to support Palestinian resistance.
Hamas has maintained that any hostage deal must include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent end to the war—conditions Israel has consistently rejected.
Netanyahu has remained firm that military operations will not end until Hamas’ governing and military structure is dismantled.
The latest airstrikes follow a nearly two-month ceasefire in the 17-month-long conflict, during which dozens of hostages were exchanged for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
On Monday, Israel also carried out airstrikes in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and southern Syria, targeting militants it accused of planning attacks.
