The Israeli Air Force blasted 60 Hamas terror targets across Gaza into Saturday, intensifying its escalation of offensive operations as cease-fire talks stall.
Israeli troops killed at least two armed terrorists in northern Gaza and struck a booby-trapped building where Hamas operatives were in the Morag Corridor in the south, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
In the southern city of Rafah, additional terror group infrastructure was destroyed above and below ground, the Israeli military said.
Some 23 Hamas members were killed and dozens more wounded in the 24-hour aerial barrage, the terror group reportedly said.
Earlier this week, Israel approved a new plan to drastically ramp up its military offensive against Hamas over the coming months, seizing all of Gaza, if the terror group refuses to agree to a cease-fire and the releases of hostages by May 16.
Israel has imposed a blockade on aid to the region in an attempt to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages and disarm — warning that the terror organization has siphoned off food and supplies since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023 following its brutal attacks on Israel.
On Saturday, Hamas released yet another manipulative propaganda video showing two hostages — Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana — ahead of a mass Israeli protest calling for the releases of the hostages.
The two were abducted during the Nova music festival.
Hamas released a video of them a month and half ago and has released several videos of Bohbot since then.
In response, Elkana Bohbot’s family said: “How much more can we bear? How much more can they bear?”
“The fact that they are still there – it’s a disgrace,” the family added, according to the Jerusalem Post. “Elkana and Yosef are crying out to be rescued.”
Only 25 of the remaining 59 hostages still being held by Hamas are believed to be alive\
Families of other hostages also made emotional pleas, many pushing for a cease-fire.
“Don’t give up on us,” said Mtah Zangauker, — mother of hostage Einav Zangauker — calling on President Trump specifically.
“Those who came back did so thanks to President Trump,” she added. “And we need him to stay involved until the last hostage is brought home.”