In a bold and necessary move to protect its citizens and sovereignty, Israel has launched a series of decisive airstrikes targeting Hamas terror strongholds within the Gaza Strip.
This action comes in direct response to Hamas’s blatant refusal to release Israeli hostages and its continuous threats to Israeli security.
Early Tuesday morning, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) executed extensive airstrikes across Gaza, marking the most significant military action since the ceasefire agreement in January.
“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,” the IDF wrote on X.
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. pic.twitter.com/mYZ1WBPVPG
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 18, 2025
The Israeli military has ordered residents to evacuate eastern Gaza and relocate toward the center following a series of airstrikes across the region, according to AP.
The directive, issued Tuesday, signals the potential for renewed ground operations by Israel.
WATCH:
Israeli airstrikes are now targeting locations across Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is over. pic.twitter.com/SlihfqeSlR
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 18, 2025
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the renewed attacks on Gaza were a response to Hamas’ refusal to release additional hostages, following the release of 33 captives during the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement reached in January, NPR reported.
“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,” Katz said in a statement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel consulted the Trump administration prior to its recent airstrikes on Gaza.
In an interview with Fox News, 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.
“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.”
It can be recalled that Trump made it clear that failure to comply by January 20, his Inauguration Day, would result in 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.
After President Trump’s ultimatum, Hamas officials stated they are willing to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Israel. However, during the initial six-week phase of the previous ceasefire, Hamas violated the terms once again.
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.… pic.twitter.com/qwXOHvHSuf
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) March 18, 2025
