The media announced Israel's readiness to conduct military operations against Hamas leaders.

The Israeli government is ready to authorize military operations against the commanders and leaders of the Palestinian radical movement Hamas, unless a continuation of the hostage release deal is agreed, The Jerusalem Post writes, citing sources in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

According to sources, the IDF intelligence agency, SHABAK (Israel's Internal Security Agency) and the Southern Command have expanded the bank of potential targets in the Hamas movement throughout the Gaza Strip.

"This target bank will allow the government to step up operations in order to put pressure on the Hamas leadership if negotiations on the release of hostages reach an impasse," the source said.

It clarifies that, according to the Israeli army, the leadership of the radical movement in Gaza remains underground, "and therefore believes that it has immunity from attacks from Israel."

Airstrikes: UN captures IDF drones and fighter jets over Lebanon

Israel maintains a presence at five positions in the neighboring country and does not seem to be going to lose control over it.

On January 19, the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian radical movement Hamas came into force. During the first phase of the 42-day deal, 33 Israeli hostages and about 1,900 Palestinians are to be released.

The situation in the Middle East escalated on the morning of October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian radical movement Hamas subjected Israel to massive rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. On the same day, Israel launched retaliatory strikes.