Netanyahu accuses Hamas of violating ceasefire, orders ‘powerful’ strikes on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the country’s military to carry out “powerful” attacks in Gaza as retaliation against Hamas’ alleged violation of the ceasefire deal between both sides.

In a short statement on Tuesday, Netanyahu’s office said the decision was made after “security consultations”.

According to the Israeli government, Hamas violated the ceasefire by failing to hand over the bodies of the remaining 13 captives that are still inside Gaza.

Israel also accused Hamas of misidentifying the most recently returned captive’s remains, which were of an abductee whose body was recovered two years ago.

In addition, the Jewish nation said Hamas is guilty of “staging” the return of bodies, claiming drone footage showed the Palestinian militant group moving and reburying remains for the Red Cross to witness.

Earlier, Israeli troops reportedly came under attack in Rafah, southern Gaza. Tel Aviv blamed Hamas for the incident, but the group has denied any connection.

The altercations test the much-celebrated US-brokered ceasefire, which has been in effect since October 9.

Under the truce, both Hamas and Israel are required to exchange hostages — living and dead.

But Hamas has also alleged that Israel is obstructing efforts to recover the bodies of deceased Israeli captives, saying it blocked heavy machinery from entering Gaza and prevented search teams from accessing key areas.

Gaza’s Hamas-run media office also accused Israel of committing 125 violations of the ceasefire since it came into effect on October 10, including killing 94 Palestinians.

After Netanyahu ordered the strikes, heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in Rafah.

But despite the attacks, Hamas said it is committed to the truce.

US Vice-President JD Vance downplayed the flare-up, saying the ceasefire will continue to hold.