this Israel – Hamas ceasefire Israel announced that it would end when air strikes resumed in Gaza. The IDF wrote on its X account that it “has extensively launched a crackdown on the terrorist targets of Hamas terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip”. Israel notes that Hamas repeatedly refused to accept the hostage release and stopped extending, which is the reason for returning to the war.
“Israel said, ‘Yes, we are willing to expand the ceasefire and release more hostages, but Hamas said, ‘No. Hamas is obvious, Hamas said there is no option to release more hostages and extend the ceasefire.
As of now, according to Marmorstein, Israel’s “war goals” include ensuring the release of hostages, destroying Hamas infrastructure and ensuring that it is “no longer a threat of October 7.”
Israeli military tanks took a position on the southern border between southern Israel and the Northern Gaza Strip on March 19, 2025. On March 18, Israel launched its most intense strike in the Gaza Strip since a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas on January 19. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)
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Marmorstein acknowledged that Palestinians were suffering, but blamed Hamas for his responsibility to use Gaza civilians as the “human shield.” Israel often points out that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, in its terrorist operations.
A spokesman for the IDF’s Arab media colonel Avicay Adraee warned Gazans in Arabic before the air strike. In the past, Israel has also used Arabic brochures and other methods to warn Palestinians of action.
“For your own safety, move to known shelters in western Sigaza and the city of Khan Yunis. Staying in red marked areas can endanger you and your family,” the IDF’s translation of the Adraee information section reads.
Asked about the statement from the Hostages and Missing Family Forum calling for an immediate return to the ceasefire, Mamostan insisted that the resumption of war operations would ensure the release of hostages.
“If you want to post the hostages, you need to do this because Hamas is very determined not to accept any offer, any offer to extend the ceasefire,” Mamostan said.
Palestinians inspect the location of the Israeli strike in a residential building in Gaza City on March 19, 2025. (Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas)
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According to Marmorstein, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, attempted to create a “corridor” between the first and second phases of the ceasefire plan, which will see more hostage releases. Israeli officials say the Jewish state accepted more than one U.S. proposal and Hamas rejected them.
Marmorstein also said Hamas’ “rhetoric” In the war, it was “not relevant to reality,” adding that the U.S. statements suggest that “clear understanding of Hamas” are wrong. Additionally, Marmorstein told Fox News Digital that Israel consulted with Americans, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told “Hannity” earlier this week.
“The Israelis attacked the Trump administration and the White House tonight in Gaza,” Levitt told Hannity on Monday night.
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak at a press conference in the White House East Room in Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 (Alex Brandon/AP)
Speaking with Fox News, Marmorstein expressed high praise for the Trump administration, saying Israel “can’t hope to have a better friend in the United States” Marmorstein told Fox News Digital that U.S.-Israel’s relationship has reached a “new peak” with the president Donald Trump. He also said Israel was “grateful” for the United States and Trump’s support during the war.
Marmorstein was confident in Israel’s ability to defeat Hamas and responded to a message from former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, who said Israel’s “secret weapon” was that Jews had nowhere else to go.
“This is a battle we are forced to fight and will win. I can tell you, I know we will win the game, for simple reasons, we will win the battle against Hamas and against Hossis and any other terrorist group because we have no choice.”
