The deterioration of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas culminated in a wave of airstrikes from Israel early Tuesday morning. After the bombing campaign, Israel Defense Forces issued an evacuation warning to residents in several areas of the Gaza Strip, a sign that more airstrikes are imminent.
In a post on X, Col. Avichay Adraee, IDF spokesperson for the Arab Media, highlighted on a map the “dangerous combat zones” from which Gaza residents should immediately evacuate, warning those who remain that doing so “puts your lives and the lives of your family members in danger,” the Times of Israel reported.
#عاجل
تحذير إلى جميع سكان قطاع غزة المتواجدين في المنطقة المحددة بالأحمر وتحديدًا في أحياء بيت حانون، خربة خزاعة، عبسان الكبيرة والجديدة
بدأ جيش الدفاع الإسرائيلي هجومًا قوياً ضد المنظمات الإرهابية. هذه المناطق المحددة تعتبر مناطق قتال خطيرة!
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) March 18, 2025
“The IDF has launched a strong offensive against terror organizations,” said Adraee in a translated version of the evacuation warning posted to X. “These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones. For your own safety, you must evacuate immediately to known shelters in western Gaza City and in Khan Younis.”
The IDF announced that Monday’s surprise attack was named “Strength and Sword,” the Times of Israel reported. The decision to proceed with the operation was made after Israel believed that Hamas violated the terms of the ceasefire that was signed two months earlier.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the end of the agreement on Hamas, explicitly citing the terrorist group’s refusal to release hostages and that they “rejected all the proposals it has been given by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and by the Qatari and Egyptian mediators.”
There were conflicting reports on the number of casualties from the Israeli strikes, with figures ranging between 326 and 440 people killed.
In response to the strikes, Hamas officials reportedly claimed it was “working with mediators to curb the aggression” after Israel’s bombing campaign.
“Hamas adhered to the ceasefire agreement and implemented it precisely, but the Israeli occupation reneged on its commitment and reversed it by resuming aggression and war,” a Hamas official said, according to the Times of Israel. “Hamas and the resistance factions are in constant session to assess the situation and working with mediators to curb the aggression.”
TRUMP INDICATES CHANGE OF HEART FOR PLANS TO RELOCATE PALESTINIANS OUT OF GAZA
Meanwhile, Netanyahu appeared to remain committed to striking Hamas.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office said.
