Israel’s military offensive against Hamas has taken a dramatic turn with American backing, as the terrorist organization dangles the release of American hostages in what critics call a manipulation tactic. The stakes couldn’t be higher as IDF forces dismantle Hamas leadership while negotiations for the remaining 59 hostages hang in the balance.
At a glance:
• Hamas has offered to release one living American hostage and the remains of four others, but Israel calls this psychological warfare
• Israel’s military operations across Gaza have eliminated most of Hamas’s senior command, leaving only fragmented units
• The IDF is conducting targeted operations in the Netzarim Corridor, Gaza’s northern coastline, and Rafah district
• U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff warned Hamas that “time is not on its side” regarding hostage negotiations
• Israel aims not just to degrade Hamas militarily but to permanently prevent the group from governing Gaza again
IDF Decimates Hamas Leadership and Military Capabilities
Israel’s Defense Forces have launched comprehensive operations across Gaza following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, targeting Hamas’s command structure with unprecedented precision. The strategic assault includes airstrikes and ground operations in key regions including the Netzarim Corridor, Gaza’s northern coastline, and the critical Rafah district where many Hamas leaders had been hiding.
Military officials report that most of Hamas’s senior command has been eliminated, leaving only fragmented units with limited ability to coordinate or launch significant attacks. The IDF has successfully encircled Tel al-Sultan in Rafah, seizing weapons caches and systematically dismantling terrorist infrastructure that took years to build.
🎗️ HAMAS BLOCKS CEASEFIRE DEAL, STALLING HOSTAGE-PRISONER EXCHANGE DESPITE US BACKING
🎗️ Witkoff to Fox News: “I Was Duped by Hamas.”
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff strongly criticized Hamas in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, saying, "We need to be clear who the aggressor… pic.twitter.com/5zSv5dgjwg
— Israel Realtime (@IsraelRealtime) March 23, 2025
Hamas Hostage Manipulation and Negotiation Tactics
In what Israeli officials describe as a desperate psychological warfare tactic, Hamas announced through its official Telegram channel that it would release one living Israeli-American hostage named Edan Alexander, along with the bodies of four other dual-national Americans. This announcement came immediately after unprecedented direct talks between U.S. officials and Hamas representatives in Qatar.
Israeli negotiators responded forcefully, stating: “Hamas continues to employ manipulations and psychological warfare — the reports about its alleged willingness to release American hostages are intended to sabotage the negotiations.” The White House similarly dismissed the offer, citing Hamas’s impractical demands for a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal as conditions that would allow terrorists to regroup.
U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff delivered a stern warning to Hamas leadership about their negotiating position. “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not. Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,” Witkoff stated, indicating renewed American resolve to support Israel’s security objectives.
— LionsOfZion_ official (@LionsOfZion_ORG) March 20, 2025
America’s Strong Support Strengthens Israel’s Long-Term Strategy
Israel’s military and diplomatic position has significantly improved with the strong backing of the United States, creating favorable conditions for achieving long-term strategic objectives in Gaza. Major General Yaakov Amidror noted the changed strategic landscape, saying: “The strategic environment has changed. Hezbollah is weaker, Iran is constrained, and the American administration is offering us true support. They’re not telling us where to bomb or how to fight.”
The mission to completely dismantle Hamas’s governing capacity and prevent its return to power is expected to continue for at least another year. Israeli officials emphasize that the goal extends beyond current military operations to include preventing Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities or governing structures, with plans to establish an internationally backed civil authority in Gaza.
They’re going to regret this even more when the war finally ends.
