Ceasefire Ends: IDF resumes military operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated their encirclement of cities in the southern Gaza Strip, following the widespread destruction in the northern region. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted more than 250 airstrikes on targets within the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, marking nearly two months of ongoing conflict. Ground operations by Israeli forces are underway and videos released by the IDF showcase their ground and air offensive in Gaza, illustrating the troops' operations, including the seizure of weapons and clearance of hideouts used by Hamas operatives. The military operations have resumed after the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel concluded last week.

On Tuesday, the IDF targeted and destroyed two rocket launch pads in the Gaza Strip through an aerial strike. Another video shared by the IDF showcased airstrikes on what they referred to as "Hamas terror cells" in the Gaza Strip. Israel has claimed that the airstrikes in Deir al-Balah led to the deaths of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives. As per reports, the primary objective of these airstrikes was to dismantle Hamas' infrastructure, including its intricate tunnel network, and neutralize operatives operating from concealed positions in the Gaza Strip.

In the ongoing ground assault, the air force is offering close support to infantry and armor units. Merkava tanks equipped with "cope-cages" (metal roofs designed to protect tanks from drone strikes) are maneuvering through the narrow lanes of Gaza. Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and bulldozers were observed near Gaza's Khan Yunis city, prompting already displaced civilians to evacuate once again.

Another video released by the IDF shows soldiers in a gun battle on Gaza's streets, charging into buildings through openings in walls surrounded by destroyed houses. Soldiers some equipped with helmet-mounted cameras, conduct ground operations, highlighting the challenging nature of urban warfare. Ground troops are employing drones to track Hamas operatives, and the intelligence gathered is shared with the air force for airstrikes.

The IDF has released videos alleging Hamas's use of hospitals, schools, and mosques to hide weapons. Recent strikes targeted an "armed terror cell" near a school in north Gaza, with recovered weapons and ammunition showcased in a video. Operations resumed after a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel concluded last week.​