WATCH: Israeli Air Force resumes strikes in Gaza after Hamas refuses to release hostages

The military operation, described as a surprise offensive, targeted multiple Hamas positions and infrastructure throughout the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement declaring that the decision to resume military operations came after Hamas repeatedly rejected ceasefire proposals presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and refused to release Israeli hostages still held in captivity. "Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," the statement read.

According to military officials, the IDF had been preparing for this possibility during the ceasefire period, identifying hundreds of new targets and monitoring the movement of approximately 20,000 militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad who had repositioned themselves throughout Gaza. The current operation includes strikes against senior Hamas leadership, underground tunnel networks, and weapons storage facilities.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz delivered a stern warning: "If Hamas does not free all of the hostages, the gates of hell will open on Gaza and the murderous Hamas rapists will encounter the IDF in a force they have not yet known. We will not stop the fighting until all the hostages are returned home and the objectives of the war are achieved."

The White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump was consulted ahead of the operation, indicating some level of coordination between the two allies. The IDF stated that its forces are prepared on all fronts, including air defense systems should retaliatory rocket attacks occur.

Palestinian media reported significant casualties, with claims that at least 100 people have been killed or wounded in the first hour of strikes. Hamas officials quickly condemned the operation, accusing Israel of unilaterally violating the ceasefire agreement. The group called upon the Arab League for support and urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to "force Israel to stop the war."

In response to the renewed hostilities, Israel's Home Front Command announced that schools along the Gaza border would remain closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. These strikes mark the first major military operation in Gaza since the ceasefire was implemented approximately two months ago, raising concerns about a potential return to full-scale conflict in the region.

Military officials indicated that the operation could expand beyond airstrikes if deemed necessary, suggesting that Israel is prepared for a prolonged engagement until its objectives are met.