LONDON – Israel has renewed its military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with officials stating that the strikes will continue until all remaining hostages are released.
According to Palestinian health officials, at least 420 people have been killed—including more than 130 children, based on UNICEF figures—after Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes overnight Tuesday. The offensive marks the collapse of a ceasefire with Hamas that had been in place since January.
Israel Vows to Continue Offensive Until Hostages Are Freed
An Israeli official told media that Hamas “got hammered last night and they’re going to continue to be hammered until we get the hostages out.”
The official described the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) renewed campaign as a “different form of negotiating” and indicated that Israel remains open to indirect talks if Hamas agrees to further hostage-prisoner exchanges. However, the official did not confirm whether a renewed ground invasion is planned.
Expanding Military Operations
The IDF stated on Wednesday that its forces struck a Hamas military site in northern Gaza where militants were allegedly preparing to fire projectiles at Israeli territory.
Additionally, the Israeli Navy targeted several vessels off the Gaza coast, which the IDF claimed were intended for use by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
An Israeli official reiterated that the offensive will continue “as long as necessary” and will expand beyond airstrikes if needed.
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Ceasefire Collapse and Renewed Hostilities
The renewed military action ended nearly two months of relative quiet in the region following an agreement that saw 33 Israeli hostages released in exchange for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.
At least 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 presumed to be alive. Among them, Edan Alexander is believed to be the last American-Israeli hostage still in captivity.
High-Profile Hamas Casualties
Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed several key Hamas figures, including:
- Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Abu Tuffah, Deputy Minister of the Interior
- Omar Al-Hatta, Deputy Minister of Justice
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that military operations against Hamas will escalate further.
“From now on, negotiations will only take place under fire,” Netanyahu declared. “Hamas has already felt our force in the last 24 hours, and I want to assure you: This is just the beginning.”
Backlash and Public Outcry
The renewed hostilities have triggered major protests in Israel, particularly from the families of those still held hostage in Gaza.
“The greatest fear of the families, the kidnapped, and the citizens of Israel has come true,” the Hostage Families’ Forum stated on Tuesday. “The Israeli government has chosen to give up on the kidnapped.”
With tensions escalating, international pressure is mounting for a renewed ceasefire and diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
