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 have now 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, posted a map of “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.
“The IDF has launched a strong offensive against terror organizations,” said Adraee in a translated version of the evacuation notice. “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 revealed that Monday’s surprise attack was named “Strength and Sword,” the Times of Israel reported. It went into effect 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 “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 due to the Israeli strikes, with totals ranging between 326 and 440 people killed. In response, 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.