The United States was consulted by Israel ahead of its latest round of airstrikes on Gaza, a White House spokesperson confirmed on Monday marking one of the deadliest attacks since the collapse of the ceasefire.
Speaking to Fox News’ “Hannity” show, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight.”
Palestinian medical sources reported dozens of casualties following a series of airstrikes targeting the densely populated enclave. The latest bombardment is said to be the most intense since a ceasefire was brokered between Israel and Hamas on January 19.
A senior Hamas official accused Israel of unilaterally violating the truce, further escalating the ongoing conflict. “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,” Leavitt said.
The former U.S. president had earlier issued a similar warning, stating that Hamas must release all hostages or “let hell break out.”
Conflict escalation
The latest violence stems from the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and resulted in the abduction of approximately 250 individuals, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, which, according to the local health ministry, has resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians. The offensive has also displaced nearly Gaza’s entire 2.3 million population, pushing the territory into a deep humanitarian crisis.
Israel has denied accusations of war crimes and genocide, even as international rights groups and the United Nations raise concerns over the scale of the destruction and civilian casualties.
US strikes in Yemen
Meanwhile, Washington launched fresh airstrikes in Yemen on Saturday, targeting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The U.S. military claimed the attacks killed dozens of fighters, while the Houthis reported at least 53 casualties. The figures could not be independently verified.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have carried out over 100 attacks on commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea, stating they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Trump’s proposed plans for Gaza, which include relocating Palestinian civilians and redeveloping the enclave under U.S. supervision, have also sparked controversy. Critics, including the U.N. and Arab states, argue that such a move would amount to ethnic cleansing.
