The Israeli government has escalated its military actions against Hamas following stalled talks on additional hostage releases. Israel accused Hamas of refusing to release the remaining captives and rejecting offers from U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement saying, “From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force.”
The military operations resumed on Monday night, with Israel targeting Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to use overwhelming force against Hamas, describing the forthcoming actions as the opening of “the gates of hell” for the group. The renewed strikes have already claimed at least 200 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Israel’s objectives include securing the release of all hostages, whether dead or alive, and continuing its military pressure until these goals are met.