Israel has recommenced hostilities in Gaza with extensive overnight airstrikes targeting areas it claims are associated with Hamas. These strikes have resulted in over 400 Palestinian fatalities, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is under Hamas control.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes expressed to Axios that, “Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.” This action follows the expiration of a ceasefire agreement brokered two months prior by the Biden administration, with assistance from the incoming Trump administration.

Despite efforts last week by the Trump administration to prolong the ceasefire, including a proposal discussed in Doha, the negotiations faltered. The White House indicated that Hamas dismissed the proposal, leading to the renewal of conflict.

The airstrikes, which started around 2am local time on Tuesday, were a coordinated effort by the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet domestic security agency, targeting numerous Hamas positions throughout Gaza. According to Israeli officials speaking to Axios, the Trump administration was forewarned about the airstrikes and briefed on their objectives.

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The ongoing conflict, ignited by a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, has now claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives, as reported by the Gaza health ministry. An Israeli official noted that the recent airstrikes aimed at mid-level Hamas commanders, key figures in Hamas’ political wing, and its military infrastructure. This official also mentioned that Hamas had used the ceasefire period to prepare for new attacks and to rearm.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the decision to resume military actions was made “after Hamas refused time and again to release our hostages and rejected all the proposals it has been given by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and by the Qatari and Egyptian mediators.” The office also announced plans to intensify military operations against Hamas.

In response, Hamas issued a statement accusing the Israeli government of “deciding to overturn the ceasefire agreement,” and warned of the potential dangers this poses to the hostages still in Gaza. They called on mediators to hold Netanyahu “fully responsible for violating and overturning the ceasefire agreement.”

Details from behind the scenes revealed by the prime minister’s office indicate that the operational plan for the airstrikes was sanctioned last weekend by Netanyahu and a cadre of senior ministers. Prior to the strikes, Netanyahu convened several security meetings with leaders from the IDF and security services to finalize the timing of the operation.