US President Donald Trump “gave the green light” to Israel for a series of deadly and devastating airstrikes on Gaza, following Hamas’s refusal to hand over the remaining hostages.
The Wall Street Journal report claims that the Israeli government informed the Trump administration ahead of the attacks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the consultation, reiterating Trump’s warning that any group, including Hamas, would face severe consequences for their actions, adding that “all hell will break loose”.
“The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a Fox News interview.
“As President Trump has made it clear – Hamas, the Houthis, Iran, all those who seek to terrorize not just Israel, but also the United States of America, will see a price to pay. All hell will break loose,” the White House spokesperson said.
Hamas officials claim that Israel overturned the ceasefire deal. The airstrikes targeted key locations in Gaza that killed 400 Palestinians. Many of those killed were women and children, with hundreds more injured.
The Israeli military labeled the strikes as “preemptive” strikes aimed at dismantling Hamas leadership and military infrastructure. However, as per the local health officials, the majority of those hurt in the strikes are civilians.
Read more: Ceasefire Shattered: Israel’s Renewed Airstrikes Devastate Gaza
The airstrikes come after the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations that had been in place since January. The first phase of the agreement lasted till March 1, 2025. Both sides released hostages and prisoners during the first stage of the process.
However, the talks failed in the second stage over the disagreements regarding the release of hostages and Israel’s insistence on Hamas’s dismantling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the military offensive would continue with full force till the objectives of Israel are met and all the hostages are released. The offensive would continue as long as it is necessary, indicating a return to full-scale war.