The IDF and the Shin Bet are currently conducting extensive strikes on Hamas terror targets in Gaza, the military confirmed early Tuesday morning, aiming to achieve the war goals "as determined by the political echelon, including the release of all our hostages — living and dead."
The IDF has been instructed to act "forcefully" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Prime Minister's Office announced.
"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," the PMO said.
“Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza in light of Hamas’ refusal to release the kidnapped and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities," Katz said in a statement.
"If Hamas does not release all the kidnapped, the gates of hell will open in Gaza, and Hamas’ murderers and rapists will meet the IDF with forces they have never known before. We will not stop fighting until all the kidnapped return home and all the war’s goals are achieved."
An Israeli official said the strikes targeted mid-level Hamas commanders, senior officials in Hamas’ political wing and Hamas’ infrastructure, according to Axios.
The White House confirmed it was consulted by Israel prior to the strikes.
“Hamas, the Houthis, 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,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.
As a result of the strikes, the Home Front Command has updated its security guidelines, and school has been canceled in the Gaza envelope.
This marks the first significant wave of attacks since the January ceasefire began and comes amid additional reports of attacks by the US and Israel across the Middle East.
Arab media has reported multiple Israeli strikes in Damascus; the US confirmed it is conducting strikes against Yemen's Houthis in Sana'a.
Israeli attacks with US backing
US President Donald Trump has previously stated that Israel would have the full support of the US in all attacks against Hamas.
Trump also stated that “Hell will rain down” on both Hamas and the Houthis and that Iran should be held responsible "and face dire consequences" for Houthi attacks.