The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have resumed significant airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, marking a major escalation in military action. This decision comes after a ceasefire that began on January 17, 2024, and follows Hamas’s refusal to agree to proposals aimed at extending the ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have directed the IDF to take strong measures against Hamas. They cited Hamas’s ongoing refusal to release hostages and its rejection of proposals from U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. The IDF is now targeting Hamas throughout Gaza to meet the objectives set by the Israeli leadership, which include securing the release of all hostages, both living and deceased.
In addition to the airstrikes in Gaza, the IDF has also targeted locations in Syria. These strikes focused on command centers and military sites associated with the regime of Bashar Al-Assad. The IDF expressed concerns about the threat posed by military assets in southern Syria, stating that it will not tolerate such threats.
On the same day, the IDF also conducted operations against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. This broad military action reflects Israel’s commitment to addressing perceived threats from multiple fronts.
As the situation develops, Israeli civilian communities near Gaza are entering a heightened state of security, which restricts educational activities. The IDF’s renewed military campaign indicates a significant shift in Israel’s approach to its ongoing conflict with Hamas and its broader regional security concerns.
