Israel Consulted US of Fresh Gaza Strikes as Netanyahu Vows to Use Increased Military Strength Against Hamas

Tel Aviv: Israel notified the Donald Trump administration before launching its latest "extensive strikes" in Gaza, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told media. She further emphasised that President Trump had made it clear that groups like Hamas and the Houthis would face serious consequences for their actions against Israel and the US

"The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight – and as President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose," Leavitt told reporters.

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On Tuesday, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 300 people. It stated that the airstrikes were aimed at Hamas targets and marked the heaviest assault since a ceasefire took effect in January.

Netanyahu’s Justification for the Strikes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the strikes were ordered due to the lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. It remains uncertain whether this is a one-time pressure tactic or a full-scale return to the conflict.

Netanyahu’s office highlighted Hamas’ refusal to release Israeli hostages and its rejection of offers from US envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators as the key reasons for the airstrikes. The Israeli government also pointed to Hamas' ongoing hostility as a major factor behind the escalation of violence.

"This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the US presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators," Netanyahu's office said.

Hamas Condemns Israeli Strikes

Hamas official Taher Nunu condemned the Israeli airstrikes, calling on the international community to address what he described as the "crimes" committed by the Israeli military. Nunu urged the world to either enforce an end to the aggression against Gaza or allow the continuation of these acts of violence.

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"The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza," he said.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Unresolved Negotiations

The airstrikes come two months after a ceasefire was agreed upon, which saw Hamas release roughly three dozen hostages in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, since the ceasefire’s first phase ended two weeks ago, the sides have failed to agree on the next steps, with no progress made toward a second phase aimed at releasing the remaining hostages and ending the war entirely.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli troops remained in Gaza, and Israel continued airstrikes, claiming that Palestinians were trying to carry out attacks or were approaching troops in restricted zones. Netanyahu had previously warned of a resumption of hostilities and even cut off food and aid deliveries into Gaza in an attempt to pressure Hamas.