The fragile two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas disintegrated overnight as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a renewed military offensive against Hamas targets in Gaza. The Israeli government, citing Hamas' outright refusal to negotiate hostage releases under terms acceptable to Jerusalem, moved swiftly to reinstate military operations with overwhelming force.

DIVIDED REACTIONS IN ISRAEL

The decision to resume hostilities has deeply divided Israeli society. Some Israelis have lauded the government’s firm stance against Hamas, seeing it as a necessary step to weaken the terror organization and reassert Israel’s military dominance. Others, particularly the families of hostages still held by Hamas, have reacted with horror, fearing that the renewed fighting will seal the fate of their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a grim statement:

“The worst fear has come true: the Israeli government has chosen to abandon the hostages.” However, Israel has been negotiating in good faith during the ceasefire and have watched as Hamas have humiliated hostages being released, taunting hostages not being released by forcing them to watch the release ceremonies and parading the dead bodies of the Bibas family around to a cheering Gaza crowd. Israel had wanted 11 of the remaining 25 living hostages as well as half of the remains of dead hostages, but Hamas refused unless Israel commits to vacating the Philadelphi Corridor.

As of this morning, Israel is operating with full force against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.

We have reached this situation after Hamas repeatedly refused proposals to extend the ceasefire and release our hostages.

Hamas rejected two concrete mediation… pic.twitter.com/MzEfqo2sHc

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) March 18, 2025

IDF STRIKES AND HAMAS LEADERSHIP LOSSES

In the initial wave of attacks, Israel’s Air Force and special operations units struck deep into Hamas strongholds, targeting high-value militants. Over 100 Hamas operatives have reportedly been killed so far, including key figures in the terror group’s leadership structure:

• Issam a-Daalis – The so-called “King of Spades,” a top Hamas strategist
• Mahmoud Abu Watfa – Director General, Hamas' Ministry of Interior
• Abu Obeidah Muhammad al-Jamasi – Hamas Political Bureau senior member
• Bahjat Abu Sultan – Head of Hamas’ Internal Security
• Abu Amr al-Hatta – Director General, Hamas' Ministry of Justice

  Eliminated ❌ pic.twitter.com/v7IPe2nAzU

  — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 18, 2025

ESCALATION IMMINENT: EVACUATION ORDERS ISSUED

The IDF has signaled that this offensive is not a limited strike but the beginning of a wider operation, issuing evacuation orders for several areas in Gaza. Military analysts predict an imminent full-scale ground operation designed to eliminate Hamas' ability to operate as a governing entity in the region. Schools in Israeli communities near the Gaza border have been closed, and citizens have been advised to remain in shelters. Israel prepared for this eventuality last week when the Security Cabinet quietly approved the callup of over 400,000 reservists.

ISRAELI LEADERS: “GATES OF HELL WILL OPEN”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz minced no words regarding Hamas’ defiance:

“If Hamas does not release all the hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza. Hamas’ murderers and rapists will face the IDF with unprecedented force. We will not stop fighting until every last hostage is home and all war objectives are achieved.”

US BACKING: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SIGNALS SUPPORT

The White House was reportedly informed of the Israeli operation in advance and has signaled full backing for the renewed offensive. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for President Trump, stated in a fiery statement:

“As President Trump has made clear—Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose.”

U.S. National Security Council Spokesperson:

“Hamxs had the chance to release the hostages and extend the ceasefire—but it chose war.”

We presented multiple proposals for a hostage release, but Hamxs rejected them all.

Now, it’s time for the stick, not just the carrot. pic.twitter.com/Mwr9tVppLs

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 18, 2025

HOSTAGE FAMILIES OUTRAGED

While Israel’s military leaders insist that only overwhelming pressure will force Hamas to release the remaining hostages, families of the captives have lashed out, accusing the government of putting their loved ones in grave danger. Their statement pulled no punches:

“The Israeli government has chosen to give up on the hostages. We are shocked, outraged, and deeply concerned about the deliberate destruction of the process to bring our loved ones back from Hamas’ horrific captivity. Military pressure endangers both hostages and soldiers. A return to the ceasefire is essential.”

BACKGROUND: CEASEFIRE BREAKDOWN AND POLITICAL MANEUVERING

The ceasefire, painstakingly brokered between the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration, lasted for two months and facilitated the release of 33 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This was merely Phase 1 of a broader plan, with Phase 2 requiring negotiations over Gaza’s long-term future and a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hardliner in Netanyahu’s coalition, championed the return to military action, declaring: “This will restore long-term security to the residents of the Gaza border communities and all Israeli citizens.”

His push, alongside fellow right-wing figure Itamar Ben-Gvir, has led to speculation that Netanyahu’s motivations for resuming the offensive are not solely military but also political, as strengthening ties with the far-right could bolster his tenuous grip on power.

This was just two months ago when Hamas claimed victory, and the entire rotten society inside the Gaza Strip, including children and women, glorified them as heroes and vowed to destroy Israel and kill the Jews.

You brought this upon yourselves.pic.twitter.com/CyuJwoYoMb

— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) March 18, 2025

Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats Party, took to social media with a scathing rebuke:

“The soldiers on the front and the hostages in Gaza are just cards in Netanyahu’s survival game. He is using the lives of our citizens and soldiers because he is shaking with fear. The protest must erupt in fury to save hostages, soldiers, and the State of Israel from the hands of this corrupt and dangerous man.”

HAMAS: "A DEATH SENTENCE FOR HOSTAGES”

Hamas has predictably decried Israel’s offensive, with senior official Izzat al-Risheq warning: “Netanyahu’s decision to return to war is a decision to sacrifice the prisoners... a death sentence against them.”

He insisted that Israel’s military campaign would achieve nothing, arguing that Hamas cannot be forced into submission through warfare.

🚨🇮🇱🇵🇸 HAMAS: ISRAEL’S NEW OFFENSIVE IS A ‘DEATH SENTENCE’ FOR HOSTAGES

Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq says Netanyahu’s decision to resume military operations in Gaza is a direct threat to Israeli hostages still held in Palestine:

"Netanyahu’s decision to return to war is a… https://t.co/CYBOQ9nNqT pic.twitter.com/wkBXz52zAw

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 18, 2025

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With the IDF ramping up airstrikes and ground troops poised for deeper incursions into Gaza, the coming days will determine whether this renewed military effort achieves its objectives or plunges the region into an even bloodier conflict. One thing is clear: Israel’s patience with Hamas has reached its limit, and Operation ‘Strength and Sword’ is only just beginning.