Fighter jets began targeting terrorist strongholds in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israel Defense Forces—and they also indicated they will increase their use of force if necessary:

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began striking Hamas terrorist targets across Gaza “in order to achieve the war objectives set by the political leadership, including the release of all our hostages—both the living and the fallen,” the office of Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a letter. 

“This decision comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all proposals presented by U.S. President’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, as well as the mediators,” the letter states. 

The IDF is working in collaboration with Shin Bet, also known as the Israel Security Agency, to conduct their operations.

“Under the direction of the political echelon, the IDF and Shin Bet are widely attacking terrorist targets of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, more details below,” the IDF and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, said in a joint statement. 

In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/mYZ1WBPVPG

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 18, 2025

Israeli airstrikes are now targeting locations across Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is over. pic.twitter.com/SlihfqeSlR

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 18, 2025