Netanyahu orders immediate 'powerful strikes' on Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating ceasefire

Israel's Netanyahu orders immediate 'powerful strikes' on Gaza: PM office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday directed the military to launch immediate “powerful strikes” on the Gaza Strip, accusing the Palestinian militant group Hamas of violating the US-brokered ceasefire.

According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the order followed high-level security consultations. “Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military to immediately carry out powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip,” the statement said.

The decision came shortly after Hamas announced it would hand over another hostage’s body. However, Israeli officials accused the group of breaching the ceasefire terms after returning only partial remains of a previously recovered captive.

On Monday night, Hamas delivered what it said was the 16th of 28 hostage bodies agreed upon under the ceasefire that began on October 10. Israeli forensic authorities later determined that the remains belonged to a hostage whose body had already been returned to Israel nearly two years earlier. Netanyahu’s office condemned the act as a “clear violation of the agreement.”

The truce, brokered by the United States to de-escalate hostilities between Israel and Hamas, has faced repeated strains as both sides accuse each other of violations. The latest escalation follows attacks on Israeli forces in southern Gaza, further intensifying tensions.

Netanyahu called the incident a “clear violation” of the deal and said he would convene his top security officials for an emergency meeting to discuss Israel’s response.

Israeli media reported that possible measures under consideration include halting humanitarian aid to Gaza, expanding Israeli military operations in the territory, or launching targeted airstrikes against Hamas leaders.

There are currently 13 bodies of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas said Tuesday it had recovered another body and planned to transfer it later in the evening.

The slow progress in returning the hostages’ remains has complicated efforts to advance the next stages of the ceasefire, which are expected to focus on disarming Hamas, deploying an international security force in Gaza, and determining the future governance of the territory.

(With agency inputs)