The Israeli Hama ceasefire ended Monday when Israel announced it was resuming airstrikes in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) wrote in its X account that it is “on a massive strike on terrorist targets belonging to Hamastero organizations in the Gaza Strip.” Israel pointed to Hamas' repeated refusal to accept the release of hostages and extension of the ceasefire as reasons for its return to war.
“Israel said, “Yes, they're willing to expand the ceasefire and release more hostages,” but Hamas said, “No.” Very clearly Hamas said “no” to the option to release more hostages and extend the ceasefire.
As of now, according to Marmorstein, Israel's “war goals” ensure hostage releases, destroying Hamas infrastructure, and “there are no more threats on October 7th” there.
Israeli military tanks occupy a location along Israel's tropical border with Israel's South Gaza Strip on March 19, 2025. On March 18, Israel began its most intense strike in the Gaza Strip since the January 19 ceasefire with Palestinian extremist group Hamas ended for more than 15 months. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)
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Marmorstein admitted that the Palestinians were suffering, but held Hamas responsible for using Gaza civilians as “human shields.” Israel often points to Hamas' use of private infrastructure, such as hospitals, in terrorist operations.
Before the airstrikes, Colonel Avichay Adraee, an IDF spokesman for Arabic media, issued a warning to Gazans in Arabic. In the past, Israel has used Arabic pamphlets and other methods to warn Palestinians ahead of its operations.
Some IDF translations of Adraee's message include: “For your own safety, you will be moved to known shelters in West Gaza and Khan Yunis City. Staying in areas marked red can put you and your family at risk.”
When asked about the Forum statement of hostages and missing families, a statement calling for an immediate return to the ceasefire claimed that resuming war operations would secure hostage releases.
“Because Hamas was so stubborn about the decision not to accept the offer if they wanted the hostages to be released, and the offer to extend the ceasefire was so stubborn,” Marmoulstein said.
Palestinians will inspect the location of Israeli strikes at home construction in Gaza city on March 19, 2025. (Reuters/Daud Auburkas)
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Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff was trying to create a “corridor” between one and two phases of the ceasefire scheme, which would have seen the release of more hostages, according to Marmoulstein. Israeli officials said the Jewish state accepted multiple US proposals and Hamas rejected them.
Marmoulstein also said Hamas was “rhetoric” in the war “has nothing to do with reality,” adding that the statement from the US “supposes a clear understanding that Hamas was negligent.” Marmoulstein also told Fox News Digital that Israel consulted with Americans.
“The Trump administration and the White House have been consulted by Israelis about the attacks in Gaza tonight,” Leavitt told “Hanity” Monday night.
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak in Washington, D.C. at a press conference held in the White House East Room on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. (Alex Brandon/AP)
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Speaking to Fox News Digital, Marmorstein offered high praise to the Trump administration, saying Israel “can't expect better American friends.” Marmoolstein told Fox News Digital that US-Israel relations have reached a “new peak” with President Donald Trump. He also said Israel is “thankful” for the support of the US and Trump during the war.
Marmoulstein expressed confidence in his ability to beat Hamas, reflecting the message of Israeli Prime Minister Gorda Meir.
“This is a battle where we are forced to fight and win it. And I can tell you, we know we will win for a simple reason, because we will win this battle with Hamas and the Hoosis, and we have no other options, so we have no other options.”
