According to a spokesman for the Defense Forces, this offensive is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening both the leadership and operational structure of the Hamas group.
Israel has stated that it is prepared to expand its offensive against the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza beyond airstrikes.
The operation, authorized by the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense Israel Katz, responds to the refusal of Hamas to free the 59 hostages which already maintains its preparations for new attacks against Israel.
The Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of airstrikes on Tuesday targeting commanders of Hamas, members of its Politburo and terrorist infrastructure.
According to the Israeli military, these bombings are part of a broader strategy to weaken the Islamist group's leadership and operational structure.
"The IDF is attacking Hamas leaders and infrastructure with unprecedented intensity.", said a military spokesman.
El Chief of Staff of the IDF, Eyal Zamir, and the director of Shin Bet, Ronen Barsupervised the operation from military headquarters. According to security sources, the attacks hit "strategic Hamas targets that were being used to plan further attacks against Israel."
In addition, the army indicated that The offensive will continue “as long as necessary” and that the operation could be extended to a ground phase if circumstances so require.
“The gates of hell will open in Gaza”
The Minister of Defense Israel Katz He issued a direct warning to Hamas, stating that the terrorist group will face an unprecedented offensive if it does not agree to release the hostages.
"The gates of hell will open in Gaza"Katz said, reiterating that Israel will show no leniency while its citizens remain captive in underground tunnels.
"Tonight we fought again in Gaza in response to Hamas's refusal to release the hostages and its threats against IDF soldiers and Israeli communities.", the minister declared.
He also made it clear that the offensive will not stop until Israel achieves all of its military objectives.
"We will not stop fighting until all the hostages return home and we destroy Hamas's military and political capabilities," he emphasized.
In anticipation of possible retaliation from Hamas and other allied groups, Israel has raised the alert level along all its borders and strengthened its air defense systems. Authorities have decided to suspend classes in communities near Gaza and have halted rail service to the Gaza Strip. sderot As a precautionary measure.
The FDI They have stated that, for operational reasons, they will not reveal further details about the ongoing operation. However, they have made it clear that the offensive was carefully planned and kept secret to ensure the element of surprise.
"Hamas will have nowhere to hide", warned a senior military officer, stressing that the goal is to completely dismantle the group's terrorist infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Hamas has attempted to play the victim before the international community, accusing Israel of “exposing the hostages to an uncertain fate.”
However, the terrorist group has rejected all mediators' proposals to extend the truce and continues to use the hostages as a means of pressure.
Israel, for its part, has reiterated that it will not allow Hamas to grow stronger while holding innocent civilians captive and continuing to pose a threat to regional security.
Corten helps water and electricity
I think Hamas's refusal is due to the fact that all or most of the hostages are dead, and this situation would be reflected in the return.