Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to launch powerful and immediate attacks on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, increasing tensions and jeopardizing the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 11.

Netanyahu’s directive followed an alleged clear violation of the truce by Hamas, though the Palestinian group denied involvement in the incident used by Israel to justify the strikes.
A series of Israeli air strikes and tank fire have quickly followed Netanyahu’s order, impacting areas from north to south across the war-torn enclave, claiming at least 18 Palestinians lives and injuring about 50 others.

The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, denied responsibility for the shooting incident in Rafah.

They also announced a delay in the planned handover of another captive’s body, citing Israel’s violations of the ceasefire as the reason.

The Gaza Government Media Office has accused Israel of committing 125 ceasefire violations since the truce began, including the killing of 94 Palestinians.

The US Vice President JD Vance said that in the Trump administration’s view, the overall framework of the peace agreement is intact.
“We expect the Israelis are going to respond, but I think the president’s peace is going to hold despite that.”

The war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, has already claimed the lives of at least 68,527 people and wounded 170,395 in the enclave.