The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has ended as the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes (between Monday and Tuesday) on multiple targets throughout the Gaza Strip, supported by artillery fire from ground forces, with senior terrorist officials targeted.
Military planners had developed and compartmentalized the strategy for returning to combat operations, ensuring tactical surprise against an unprepared Hamas.
Reports from Gaza City indicate a building was struck along with additional targets on the city's main street. Strikes were also reported in Nuseirat and al-Bureij against sites affiliated with Hamas. Gaza media sources claim hundreds have been killed and wounded across various locations including Gaza City and Khan Younis, with the deputy interior minister among the casualties. In northern Gaza, a school reportedly came under bombardment. The Israeli Air Force also conducted strikes in Rafah.
The IDF has targeted senior officials in Hamas's military wing, mid-level commanders, and terrorist infrastructure throughout the territory.
Following the resumption of hostilities, the Home Front Command canceled schools in Gaza border communities. Guidance for western Negev and western Lachish regions remains unchanged, with normal activities continuing.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu coordinated the return to war operations from the Kirya command bunker alongside the IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet director – despite reported tensions between the security chief and the prime minister's residence.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel had consulted with the administration regarding tonight's planned operations in Gaza. Leavitt emphasized: "President Trump has been clear, all terrorists in the Middle East, the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran's proxies and Iran itself, need to take the President very seriously when he says he does not hesitate to stand by our friend and ally – Israel."
A statement from Netanyahu's office declared: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to act with force against the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip.
"This action follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages and rejection of all proposals presented by US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the mediators.
"The IDF is currently striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip, aiming to achieve the war objectives established by the political leadership, including the release of all our hostages – both living and deceased. From this point forward, Israel will escalate military force against Hamas."
Hamas issued a response to the renewed hostilities, stating: "Netanyahu and Israel bear full responsibility for the consequences of this treacherous aggression in Gaza. Netanyahu and his extremist government have decided to overturn the ceasefire agreement, exposing the prisoners (hostages) in Gaza to an unknown fate. We demand the mediators hold Netanyahu and Israel fully accountable for violating and canceling the agreement."
As fighting resumed, senior Houthi official Hazam al-Assad posted a message in Hebrew on social media amid threats from US President Donald Trump against Yemen's government, declaring: "We will not abandon Gaza."
