The Israeli military stated, "As long as necessary, the army is prepared to continue attacking Hamas commanders and the infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, and will expand the scope of operations beyond airstrikes." In the early hours of March 18, local time, the Israeli army suddenly launched a large-scale airstrike on the Gaza Strip, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Hamas stated that Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire, putting the fate of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip into uncertainty. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz stated, "The army is attacking Hamas throughout the region, with the aim of achieving war objectives, including the release of all hostages, whether alive or dead." Katz said that if Hamas does not release the hostages, "the gates of hell in Gaza will open." (CCTV International News)