Following failed hostage negotiations, the army resumed attacks on targets in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, a familiar face has returned to the Israeli government.
The Israeli army resumed its war against Hamas overnight on Tuesday after several weeks of ceasefire. The air force attacked several targets in the Gaza Strip. According to the terrorist organization Hamas, nearly 330 people were killed, including at least five high-ranking members.
According to a report in the newspaper "Yediot Aharonot," the slain terrorists were involved in rebuilding Hamas's rule. Among them were Mahmud Watfa Dir, head of the "Ministry of the Interior," and Mohammed Al-Jmasi, head of the "Ministry of Justice.".
The army spokesman for the Arab region, Avichai Adra'i, called on residents of the Gaza Strip to withdraw from the border areas of the coastal strip, calling them "dangerous combat zones." People were instructed to seek shelter in "known safe havens," such as those west of Gaza City and in Khan Younis. On Monday, cities surrounding the Gaza Strip canceled schools for Tuesday on orders from the Home Front Command.
Defense Minister: Hamas must release hostages
On Tuesday, Israel continued its attacks. Defense Minister Israel Katz (Likud) stated that the strikes would intensify if Hamas did not release all the hostages.
The Israeli government justified the move by citing the course of the hostage negotiations. Hamas had repeatedly rejected proposals for a hostage deal. "Israel will now proceed with increased military force," the government office announced on Tuesday night.
According to a report by the broadcaster "Kan 11," the army has also detected suspicious activity in the Gaza Strip. The terrorists have reportedly recruited fighters and distributed combat equipment. This is said to be in preparation for another attack on Israel. A security official complained that Hamas is using the negotiating period to build up its own forces.
Coordination with the USA
The Israeli government further stated that the renewed fighting was aimed at achieving its war aims, including the release of all hostages, the defeat of Hamas, and the removal of the terrorist threat from the Gaza Strip. The government had approved an attack plan presented by the army over the weekend.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Israel coordinated with the US before the renewed attacks. "As President Trump has made clear: Anyone who wants to terrorize not only Israel but also the US will pay a price: All hell will break loose."
Failed negotiations
The original hostage deal, which formed the basis of the ceasefire of recent weeks, stipulated that the second phase should begin in early March. However, disagreements arose over the conditions; Hamas demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
US envoy Steve Witkoff attempted a compromise: Hamas would release five live hostages as an extension of the first phase. Hamas rejected this on Sunday.
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, criticized the renewed fighting. Meanwhile, according to a report in the American newspaper "The Washington Post," Egypt and Qatar are seeking to begin negotiations. Cairo is reportedly trying to persuade the Americans to pressure Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire.
Ben-Gvir rejoins the government
With the renewed attacks, Itamar Ben-Gvir's Jewish Strength party is also rejoining the government. The 48-year-old left the government on January 19 in protest against the hostage deal and the associated ceasefire. He is calling for a decisive victory against Hamas.
The three vacant ministerial posts had been temporarily filled by Tourism Minister Chaim Katz (Likud). Ben-Gvir will now return as Security Minister, Yitzhak Wasserlauf as Minister for Regional Development, and Amichai Elijah as Minister for Cultural Heritage. The majority of the governing parties in the Knesset increases from 61 to 68 out of 120 seats. (Israelnetz)
