By Gloria Ogbonna
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel launched a wave of “extensive strikes” on Gaza overnight Tuesday, vowing to “open the gates of hell” in response to Hamas’ refusal to release the remaining hostages.
The Israeli military campaign marks a significant shift in strategy, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirming that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will now act with increasing military force against Hamas.
The latest round of airstrikes and military operations resulted in at least 131 deaths and over 300 injuries, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health officials, as reported by ABC News.
Targeting key Hamas leaders, military infrastructure, and strategic locations, Israeli forces hit multiple areas across Gaza, including Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat, Al-Bureij, Al-Zaytoun, Al-Karama, and Beit Hanoun.’
As tensions reached a boiling point, Defense Minister Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas:
“Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza due to Hamas’ refusal to release the hostages and threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities.”
The Israeli government remains firm in its stance, arguing that Hamas’ continued rejection of diplomatic hostage negotiations left them with no alternative but to escalate military operations. An Israeli official told ABC News that the offensive will continue ‘as long as necessary’ and will expand beyond airstrikes.
Israeli intelligence has identified and targeted Hamas’ mid-ranking military commanders and leadership officials as part of its latest strikes. The IDF has intensified operations across all fronts, with an official confirming:
“The IDF is prepared and spread out in all arenas, both in personnel manning the borders and the Aerial Defense Array.”
The change in military strategy comes in response to Hamas rejecting all offers for a hostage release deal, including proposals involving U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
With diplomatic efforts failing, Netanyahu and Katz have shifted to a more aggressive posture, signaling that Hamas will now face the full force of Israel’s military power.
In response to the latest attacks, Hamas released a statement on Tuesday warning that Israel’s actions had placed the remaining hostages in Gaza in grave danger. The group stated:
“Overturning the ceasefire agreement and the series of strikes put the prisoners in Gaza at an unknown fate.”
Despite Hamas’ claims, Israel insists that the only way to secure the safe return of hostages is through military pressure.
U.S. Involvement: Trump Administration Signals Full Support
As tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate, the Trump administration has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Israel’s military campaign.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed in a Fox News interview that Israeli officials consulted with President Donald Trump before launching the strikes on Gaza.
Trump himself has issued repeated warnings to Hamas, with his most recent statement on March 7 being particularly explicit:
“It will be OVER for Hamas if it does not comply.”
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job. Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
The U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, echoed Trump’s warning, saying:
“I wouldn’t test President Trump.”
The ongoing hostage crisis remains a central focus of Israel’s military efforts. Fifty-nine hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with only 24 presumed to be alive. Among them, Edan Alexander is the last American-Israeli citizen confirmed to still be in captivity.
As the conflict intensifies, Israel has made it clear that the fate of Hamas now lies in its own hands. If the hostages are not released, the military offensive will not only continue but expand, with devastating consequences for Hamas-controlled Gaza.
With diplomatic negotiations failing and military operations ramping up, the world watches as Israel and Hamas head into what could be the most intense phase of their conflict yet.
Source ABC7
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