Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Hamas in Gaza early Tuesday, in an operation they’ve dubbed “Strength and Sword”, following the collapse of a cease-fire agreement.
The ceasefire failed after Hamas refused to release the remaining 59 hostages, including New Jersey native Edan Alexander, the last American hostage still believed to be alive. Israel had warned that any failure to free hostages would prompt military action, and the country swiftly followed through on its promise of “strong action” against Hamas.
On Tuesday morning it was reported by the Jerusalem Post that 80 Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets were destroyed within a 10-minute span, under the new operation.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” said a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Israel’s frustration was evident, as the government emphasized that Hamas’s repeated refusal to release hostages and its rejection of U.S. offers had derailed any further peace efforts. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, had warned before the strikes that “the gates of hell will open in Gaza” if Hamas did not free the remaining hostages.
Israel’s airstrikes were devastating, with Hamas-controlled Palestinian authorities reporting over 400 fatalities, including civilians. Among those killed were at least four senior Hamas officials, including top police figures. The airstrikes targeted Hamas military infrastructure, including weapons stockpiles and launch posts, as well as terrorist cells used to plan and execute attacks against Israel.
“Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators,” Israeli officials said in a statement released on Monday, underscoring the breakdown in negotiations and highlighting their continued commitment to securing the return of hostages.
The cease-fire agreement, brokered in January, allowed for the release of around three dozen Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Hamas affiliated prisoners. However, the agreement’s first phase ended two weeks ago, and efforts to extend it faltered after Hamas failed to meet the terms, particularly regarding the hostages. This failure led to Israel’s escalation of military action, including the current airstrikes.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to its objectives, with Katz warning that military strikes would only increase if Hamas failed to release the hostages.
“The Hamas murderers need to understand — If they do not release all our hostages – our blows will only increase and intensify,” Katz said after a high-level security meeting.
“Strength and Sword” has made it clear that its objectives go beyond tactical strikes—they aim to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and ensure the return of hostages. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also stressed that Israel had no choice but to resume its military actions after Hamas twice rejected proposals to extend the ceasefire.
Despite rising international criticism, including condemnations from Qatar, Egypt, and various Western countries, Israel has maintained that its military actions are necessary to ensure the safety of its citizens and the release of hostages.
“The return to fire is a continuation of our commitment to achieving the goals of the war,” Sa’ar emphasized, pointing out that Israel had waited for serious negotiations, which Hamas had not engaged in.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the airstrikes and called for the unconditional release of the hostages, urging Israel to consider the humanitarian impact. The UN’s so-called Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Muhannad Hadi, labeled the airstrikes as “unconscionable” and called for an immediate return to the ceasefire. However, Israel’s position remains firm, with officials stating that they will continue military operations until their objectives are met.
Israel has maintained that their focus remains on eradicating Hamas, ensuring the safe return of hostages, and securing peace through a lasting solution. Despite the heavy toll of airstrikes and international calls for restraint, Israel’s leaders insist that the military operation will not cease until Hamas releases all hostages and ceases its acts of terrorism.
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