The Israeli government consulted the US administration prior to conducting its night-time offensive in Gaza, as confirmed by the White House on Monday evening (US time).
“The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed during her appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity” programme.
“As President Trump has made it clear, Hamas, the Huthis, Iran, 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,” she declared during the broadcast interview.
Israel conducted extensive airstrike across Gaza Strip in the early hours of Tuesday, targeting Hamas positions in what became its most intense military operation since the January ceasefire.
The Israeli military announced on Telegram just before 2.30 am (local time) that it was “conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip,” while warning that they’ll act against Hamas with “increasing military strength”.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, stated that he authorised the strikes due to stalled negotiations over extending the ceasefire. The immediate implications remained unclear – whether this was a strategic move to apply pressure or signalled a complete resumption of the 17-month conflict, as reported by the Associated Press.
Also read: Israel conducts ‘extensive strikes’ in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria; over 100 killed
The airstrikes resulted in at least 69 Palestinian casualties, according to Palestinian authorities. Hamas issued a statement indicating that Israel’s renewed airstrikes violated their ceasefire agreement and endangered the safety of the hostages.
