Israel Opens ‘Gates of Hell’ on Hamas
IDF Op "Strength and Sword" kills five Hamas leaders in 35 airstrikes within 20 minutes; Hamas alleges hundreds dead.
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Tuesday morning update:
In a secretive, lightning operation early Tuesday, IDF aircraft slammed multiple Hamas military facilities, killing several mid-level officials, and other personnel, after the Iranian-backed terror proxy spurned multiple attempts by negotiators to get them to release hostages.
Statement from the Ministry of Defense Office:
“Following the Resumption of Fighting: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.
“This comes after Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all proposals made by the US President's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators.
“The IDF is currently targeting Hamas terrorist organization sites throughout the Gaza Strip, with the goal of achieving the war objectives as set by the political leadership, including the release of all our hostages—both the living and the fallen.
“From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force. The operational plan was presented by the IDF last weekend and approved by the political leadership.”
“U.S. National Security Council Spokesperson:
“Hamas had the chance to release the hostages and extend the ceasefire—but it chose war.”
“We presented multiple proposals for a hostage release, but Hamxs rejected them all.
“Now, it’s time for the stick, not just the carrot.”
Breaking reports say that Operation Strength and Sword, has, so far, wiped out entire families of senior Hamas terrorists:
Among the Hamas officials killed so far:
1. Essam Daalis, a member of Hamas' political bureau (responsible for the work of the Hamas government in Parliament).
2. Abu Obaida al-Jamazi, a member of Hamas' political bureau.
3. Liwaa Mahmoud Abu Watfa, head of the Ministry of Interior in the Strip (responsible for Hamas' security mechanisms).
4. Bahjat Abu Sultan, head of Hamas' Internal Security apparatus (a senior and significant position).
5. Ahmed al-Hatta (Abu Omar), head of the Ministry of Justice in the Strip.
“Hamas released a statement; “We call on the sons of the Arab nation and the free people of the world to take to the streets and protest against the resumption of fighting. We call on the UN and the international community to force Israel to stop the fighting.”
“Later, more Hamas names were added to the list of “martyrs.”
“He joins five of his sons, members of the Nukhba (elite unit) in Hamas' military wing, who were killed during the fighting in the Jabaliya area.
“Yasser Harb is the sixth senior official reported to have been killed last night, in addition to the five mentioned above. Three of them are members of Hamas' political bureau.” (via Barry Shaw, Senior Associate for Public Diplomacy at the Israeli Institute for Strategic Studies)
IDF flyer in Arabic released to residents of affected areas: “Warning to all Gaza residents in the area marked in red, specifically in the neighborhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khaza'a, Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jedida:
“The IDF has launched a powerful offensive against terrorist organizations. These specific areas are considered dangerous combat zones!
“For your safety, you must immediately evacuate to the designated shelters in western Gaza City and those in Khan Yunis.
“Continuing to stay in the designated areas endangers your lives and the lives of your family members.”
"Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on the end of the ceasefire:
“Tonight, we returned to fighting in Gaza (…). If Hamas doesn’t release all hostages, the gates of hell will open in Gaza, and Hamas murderers and rapists will meet the IDF with forces they have never known before.” (via Jewish Breaking News)
Overnight: IDF airstrikes kill at least five mid-level Hamas officials in Gaza, after terror group refuses ceasefire bids. The Iranian-backed proxy is alleging 200 dead.
IDF Spokesman:
* Under the direction of the political echelon, the IDF is attacking extensively and at the initiative of Hamas commanders at mid-levels, senior figures in Hamas' political wing and the terrorist infrastructures of the Hamas terrorist organization.
* The IDF is attacking dozens of terrorist targets.
* In the background of the attacks - Hamas' readiness to carry out attacks, to strengthen and rearm.
* The attack will continue as long as necessary and will expand beyond air activity.
* The IDF is deployed and alert in all sectors, both in the deployment of forces on the borders and through air defense systems.
* The Chief of Staff is commanding the operation together with the head of the Shin Bet from the pit in Kirya.
* After the HFC [IDF Home Front Command] headed by the Chief of Staff it was decided that there will be no studies and educational activities in the surrounding area tomorrow. The IDF is in ongoing dialogue with the localities. It was also decided to halt the operation of the Sderot railway line for the time being.
* Naturally, the IDF will not provide further details at this stage so as not to provide information to the enemy.
* The plan was prepared and kept in a classified manner within the IDF to create surprise and deception.” (via Mannie's War Room)
Hamas: “We hold criminal Netanyahu and the Nazi Zionist occupation fully responsible for the consequences of the treacherous aggression on Gaza.
“Netanyahu and his government make a decision to cancel the ceasefire agreement and expose the prisoners in Gaza to an unknown fate.
“We demand that the mediators hold Netanyahu and the Zionist occupation fully responsible for violating and canceling the agreement.”
“The complex operation was planned by the Air Force to maximize the elimination of as many terrorists as possible, by surprise, simultaneously.
“Israel leaves room for continued negotiations on the deal - at this stage, it appears to be an air operation, not a ground operation
(via Ynet military reporter, Yoav Zeiton)
“After the resumption of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip and the de facto end of the ceasefire, Israel is preparing for rocket fire from Yemen - and from Gaza.” (Gili Cohen, Kan Israel News)
Municipal officials in Sderot, one kilometer away from Northern Gaza, have closed the city's weekly market due to the threat, and, in a similar move, officials the coastal cities of Rehovot, Petah Tikva, and Rishon L'Tziyon, have reportedly opened public bomb shelters.
“Update to the Home Front Command guidelines following the security situation
“In accordance with the assessment of the situation at the Home Front Command, it was decided to update the guidelines in accordance to the following changes:
“Guidance area: Gaza Envelope - moving from full activity to limited activity
“Educarional Activities - Educational activities are prohibited.
“Gathering and Services - outdoors - up to 10
“People, indoors - up to 100 people.
“Workplaces - Activities can be held in a place from which a standard protected space can be reached within the time available to reach shelter.
“• Subject to the guidelines of the Southern Command
“Guideline areas: Western Negev and Western Lakhish - Unchanged - Full activity.
“The policy is valid from Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 02:00, until Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 20:00
“The full guidelines are listed in the following link:
Http://www.oref.org.il/eng/articles/info/iron-swords/1100”
[This report will be updated as events develop. Please consider supporting my independent efforts to bring you accurate, timely, and reliable news and slivers of daily life here at ground level in Israel. Substack’s Stripe payment system isn’t available in Israel, so I’ve arranged an alternative for you to support my work. If you’re feeling generous, you can donate via PayPal. - Thx, DB]
The Israeli hostage forum has really developed into an insurgent force within Israel.
The Arab cries out, the Jew hit me back
Has potential for powerful song lyrics from Israeli musicians
Going forward the IDF needs a war music division along with a media division to mock and shame the dishonorable Arab society that is eminently dishonoring and humiliating itself through its unending ongoing losses to Israel.
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