Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza on Monday, marking the end of a ceasefire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced via X that it was “conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip,” citing Hamas’ repeated refusal to extend the ceasefire and release more hostages as the reason for the renewed conflict.

Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein told Digital, “Israel was willing to extend the ceasefire for further hostage releases, but Hamas refused twice. This leaves us with no other option to secure the release of our hostages.”

Marmorstein stated that Israel’s “war objectives” include securing the release of hostages, dismantling Hamas infrastructure, and preventing another attack like the one on October 7th.

Marmorstein acknowledged Palestinian suffering but blamed Hamas for using Gaza civilians as “human shields,” referencing Hamas’ alleged use of civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, for terror operations.

Prior to the airstrikes, IDF Spokesperson for Arabic Media Col. Avichay Adraee issued a warning in Arabic to Gazans. Israel has previously used similar methods, like Arabic pamphlets, to warn Palestinians before operations.

The IDF’s translation of Adraee’s message advised Gazans to “move away to the known shelters in western Gaza City and in the city of Khan Yunis” for their safety, warning that “Staying in the area marked in red may endanger you and your family.”

Regarding the Hostages and Missing Families Forum’s call for an immediate ceasefire, Marmorstein asserted that resuming military operations was necessary to secure the hostages’ release.

“The operation is necessary for the hostages’ release because Hamas was firm in its decision to reject any offer to extend the ceasefire,” Marmorstein said.

According to Marmorstein, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, attempted to create a “corridor” between the ceasefire’s phases to facilitate further hostage releases. He added that Israel accepted multiple U.S. proposals, while Hamas rejected them.

Marmorstein also refuted claims about the war, stating they “have nothing to do with reality” and pointed to U.S. statements indicating a “clear understanding that Hamas” is responsible. He further mentioned to Digital that Israel consulted with the U.S., a claim confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on “Hannity” earlier in the week.

Leavitt stated on “Hannity” that “The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight.”

Speaking with Digital, Marmorstein expressed strong appreciation for the Trump administration, saying Israel “cannot hope for a better friend in the U.S.” He also stated that the U.S.-Israel relationship reached “new peaks” under President Trump and that Israel was “grateful” for U.S. and Trump’s support during the war.

Marmorstein expressed confidence in Israel’s ability to defeat Hamas, echoing former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir’s statement that Israel’s “secret weapon” was that the Jews had no other place to go.

“This is the fight that we were forced to fight and will win it… we’ll win this fight against Hamas and against Houthis and against any other terrorist organization, because we have no other choice,” Marmorstein told Digital.

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