As many people in Gaza were enjoying their pre-dawn meal during the holy month of Ramadan, a series of explosions shook the area. Witnesses reported that over 20 Israeli warplanes flew overhead before launching strikes in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the strikes were ordered on Tuesday morning. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, the military action was a response to Hamas’s ongoing refusal to release hostages and its dismissal of proposals made by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators. The statement emphasized that Israel would increase its military actions against Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had presented a plan for these strikes over the weekend, which received approval from the political leadership. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages and stating that Israel would show no mercy to its enemies.
Hamas reacted strongly, accusing Israel of betrayal for breaking a ceasefire agreement. They claimed that this escalation puts the remaining Israeli hostages in danger, leaving their fate uncertain. However, Hamas has not officially announced a return to war, instead calling for intervention from mediators and the United Nations.
Before carrying out these strikes, Israel consulted with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, as confirmed by a White House spokesperson. The situation remains tense as both sides brace for the implications of this renewed conflict.