Israel has announced it is undertaking significant military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, raising concerns over an already fragile ceasefire. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency revealed on Tuesday that they are targeting what they describe as terrorist assets belonging to Hamas.
Reports from Gaza’s Civil Defence indicate that numerous individuals may be trapped beneath the debris of homes that have been destroyed due to airstrikes across various regions of the enclave. Eyewitness accounts from CNN correspondents in Gaza confirm they have heard strikes occurring in multiple areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz initiated this military campaign, citing Hamas’s continued refusal to release hostages and its dismissal of offers for mediation. They stated that the IDF is actively attacking Hamas facilities throughout Gaza, aiming to achieve political objectives, which include securing the release of all hostages, whether they are alive or deceased.
Netanyahu’s office released a declaration stating, “From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force.” This announcement signifies a potential escalation in the Israeli military’s approach to its ongoing conflict with Hamas, as it seeks to ensure its national security interests.
Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of this renewed violence, with children particularly affected, as evidence shows scenes of despair at feeding centres in northern Gaza. The growing situation indicates a turbulent time ahead for both sides, as hostilities threaten to spiral further out of control amidst urgent humanitarian needs and political complexities.