The IDF launched a surprise operation in Gaza early Tuesday, attacking 80 sites at once. The strikes began at 2:10 a.m. and lasted less than ten minutes, with Israeli fighter jets hitting all assigned targets within two minutes, according to the IDF. The strikes did not target Hamas’ senior military leadership, but rather mid-level commanders, including battalion and company leaders, as well as government officials such as Hamas’ Shura Council president, justice and interior ministries, and the terrorist group’s prime minister. The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Shin Bet, with agency director Ronen Bar supervising it alongside IDF commanders, the military claimed.

Following the operation, the Home Front Command relaxed civilian restrictions along the Gaza border, allowing schools to reopen in places where shelters were available. Train service in the south is anticipated to resume within 48 hours, pending additional security inspections.

The IDF stated that it is carrying out a “gradual, evolving battle plan” against Hamas, modifying intensity and scope depending on real-time assessments. “We present professional recommendations to the political leadership,” the military stated. “We also held a situation assessment with the Hostages and Missing Persons Directorate today.”

On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Gaza Strip, touring Rafah with Gaza Division Commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram. “Your mission is to protect the communities,” Zamir instructed troops. “We are engaged in a continuous operation against Hamas while remaining fully committed to bringing the hostages home.”

In addition to the Gaza onslaught, the IDF struck artillery batteries in Khan Arnabeh, Syria, after determining a threat to Israeli sovereignty. Meanwhile, Israel intercepted a Yemeni missile aimed toward the Negev region near Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the Gaza onslaught, the IDF struck artillery batteries in Khan Arnabeh, Syria, after determining a threat to Israeli sovereignty. Meanwhile, Israel intercepted a Yemeni missile aimed toward the Negev region near Saudi Arabia.

Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed responsibility for the launch, stating that the organization fired a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile toward Israel. “If Israeli strikes in Gaza do not stop, we will expand our list of targets in Israel in the coming hours and days,” Saree told the media. The IDF acknowledged the risks to captives when battle resumed, noting that Chief of Staff Zamir had issued explicit orders to take all necessary precautions. However, officials acknowledged that intelligence is not always complete and that “there is no 100% certainty” while carrying out operations.

As violence intensified, Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanua stated that the group had not rejected US envoy Steve Witkoff’s cease-fire request. “Witkoff’s idea was on the negotiation table. “Hamas did not reject it but responded positively,” al-Qanua added, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of resuming hostilities to “sabotage the agreement.” He also stated that Israel strengthened its embargo, closed border crossings, and refused to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire in an effort to sabotage the agreement and restart the war. “Hamas’ interest was to continue the ceasefire,” al-Qanua stated. “We will remain flexible and engage with mediators to push back against aggression and force Israel into an agreement.”