Israel strikes Gaza after hostage negotiations stymied

The Israel Defense Forces launched air strikes in Gaza on Monday after hostage negotiations were stymied.

At least 20 people were killed in the strike, according to Al Jazeera. Hebrew media reports that dozens of targets have been hit.

Israel reportedly informed the Trump administration ahead of the strikes, according to The Times of Israel. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to “act forcefully” against Hamas after the terrorist group refused to release Israeli hostages.

Shortly after the strikes began, Katz said in a statement that “the gates of hell will open in Gaza” and that Hamas will be hit with a force it has “never seen before” if all 59 remaining hostages aren't released.

“Tonight we returned to fighting in Gaza in light of Hamas’s refusal to release the hostages and amid its threats to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli communities,” Katz said.

“We will not stop fighting until all of the hostages return home and all the war’s aims are achieved,” he added.

The strikes restart the Israeli military campaign against Hamas that was paused when a ceasefire began on Jan. 19.