IDF Launches Wide-Scale Offensive in Gaza
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has collapsed. Following the escalation, school was canceled in Israeli communities near the Gazaborder , and adjustments were made to Home Front Command's defense policies
Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip collapsed last night, as the IDF launched a large-scale surprise attack against Hamas targets across the region.
In the first phase, the Israeli Air Force struck various targets from the air and sea in Gaza, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and other areas. The assault, which began at 02:20, targeted command centers, tunnels, rebuilt bases, and other Hamas infrastructure.
The decision to resume hostilities was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who instructed the IDF to "act forcefully against Hamas after it refused to release the hostages and rejected all proposals from envoy Wietstock and the mediators."
The IDF spokesperson stated that, following directives from the political leadership, the IDF and Shin Bet launched a widespread attack on Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip. In response to the escalation, classes were canceled in Israeli communities near Gaza, and adjustments were made to Home Front Command's defense policies.
The operation is led by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, with Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar—whose dismissal was postponed—joining him in the command bunker at the Kirya. The White House spokesperson announced that the U.S. administration had been updated on the offensive and reiterated President Trump's statement that those who engage in terrorism not only against Israel but also against the U.S. will pay the price.
According to Hamas, 300 people were killed and hundreds were wounded as a result of the strikes. The organization also reported that several senior commanders had been eliminated.
Defense Minister Katz declared that the IDF is striking across the entire Gaza Strip to achieve the war's objectives, primarily the release of the hostages. He added that the operational plan was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership. "If all the hostages are not released, the gates of hell will open in Gaza," Katz warned, adding, "We will not stop fighting until the hostages are brought home and all war objectives are achieved."
Military sources noted that during the ceasefire months, the Air Force gathered intelligence on hundreds of new targets and identified over 20,000 Hamas operatives, including commanders. They also confirmed that the IDF is deployed across all fronts.
