In a sharp escalation of political and military rhetoric, 'Israeli' War Minister Israel Katz declared that no member of Hamas leadership would be "granted immunity."

 

This direct threat underscores what Katz described as a comprehensive targeting policy, emphasizing that immunity would not be extended “to those wearing suits,” referring to political figures who appear publicly, nor “to those hiding in tunnels,” referring to field and military commanders.

 

The statement came as the 'Israeli' army announced Wednesday morning its return to the ceasefire agreement, following a night of intense bombardment on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The attacks, which killed and injured dozens, were justified by 'Israel' as a response to what it called “a blatant Hamas violation” of the agreement.

 

Dozens of Hamas leaders killed in latest escalation

Explaining the recent military operations, Katz said that “since yesterday (Tuesday), dozens of Hamas leaders have been eliminated” in what he described as “massive airstrikes launched by the army.”

 

He cited two main reasons for the strikes: first, “in response to the attack on our soldiers,” and second, as retaliation for what he called “Hamas’ violation of the agreement to return the bodies of captives.”

 

Katz added that the attacks were not limited to individuals and commanders but also targeted “dozens of Hamas infrastructure sites” — a term commonly used by 'Israel' to describe facilities linked to Palestinian factions.

 

“We will cut off his hand”

Katz continued his remarks with an aggressive tone, warning of a severe response to any attack on 'Israeli' forces. “Anyone who raises his hand against our soldiers — his hand will be cut off,” he said.

 

He further warned that “whoever violates the agreements or attacks occupation forces will pay a heavy price.”

 

Katz stressed that these threats were not “mere words,” but actual policy being enforced on the ground. He revealed that “clear instructions have been issued to the army to act forcefully against every Hamas target,” adding that this policy “will continue into the future.”

 

Sequence of events: violation, bombardment, then ceasefire

The statements came after a tense night marked by a temporary collapse of the fragile truce.

 

'Israel' resumed its strikes across several areas in Gaza Tuesday evening, accusing Hamas of violating the ongoing ceasefire.

 

This alleged breach - specifically the failure to hand over bodies and the attack on soldiers - was used as the official justification for the heavy bombardment.

 

However, in a notable turn of events, the 'Israeli' army announced early Wednesday its return to the ceasefire, just hours after the intense strikes that killed and injured dozens of Palestinians.

 

In a statement, the army claimed it was acting “under political guidance,” explaining that “after a series of large-scale strikes targeting dozens of objectives in response to Hamas’ violation, the army has begun reinforcing the agreement.”

 

The statement concluded by asserting that this step was intended to “strengthen the ceasefire” after it was allegedly violated by Hamas, effectively portraying 'Israel' as the party that “disciplined” the other side before returning to compliance, while holding Hamas responsible for triggering the latest escalation.