Hamas violates the ceasefire by refusing to release hostages, prompting Israel to strike Hamas targets in Gaza

Image: Jihad Watch

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has ended as Israeli fighter jets launched strikes on the Gaza Strip following Hamas' repeated rejection of hostage deal proposals, officials reported.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated attacks on Hamas targets across Gaza "to achieve the war objectives set by the political leadership, including securing the release of all hostages—both the living and the fallen," according to a statement from Defense Minister Israel Katz's office.

"This decision follows Hamas' persistent refusal to release our hostages and its rejection of all proposals put forth by U.S. President's envoy, Steve Witkoff, as well as other mediators," the statement added.

Acting under political directives, the IDF and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, launched widespread strikes on Hamas targets throughout Gaza, according to a joint statement.

An Israeli official told Fox News that the IDF carried out preemptive strikes targeting mid-level military commanders, key leadership figures, and Hamas infrastructure. The military campaign will continue as long as necessary and extend beyond airstrikes, the official noted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the airstrikes were prompted by Hamas' rejection of all offers presented by the Trump administration’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and other mediators.

"Tonight, we resumed fighting in Gaza due to Hamas' refusal to release hostages and its threats against IDF soldiers and Israeli communities," Katz said. "If Hamas does not release all the hostages, Gaza will face severe consequences, and its operatives will encounter IDF forces like never before."

He reaffirmed that Israel "will not cease fighting until all hostages are returned home and all war objectives are met."

In response, Hamas accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of full responsibility for the "treacherous aggression on Gaza" and the suffering of Palestinian civilians, condemning what it described as a "brutal war and systematic starvation policy."

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)