Tel Aviv, MINA – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli army to launch “immediate, powerful strikes” in the Gaza Strip despite an existing ceasefire agreement, according to a statement from his office on Tuesday, Anadolu Agency reported.
The decision followed security consultations after alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas. Reports confirmed that at least nine Palestinians were killed and several others wounded in a series of Israeli attacks following Netanyahu’s directive.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN stated that Netanyahu also decided to expand the area under Israeli military control in Gaza beyond the “yellow line,” which marks the withdrawal zone under the ceasefire. The zone extends from southern North Gaza Governorate to the outskirts of Rafah.
KAN further reported that Netanyahu coordinated his decision with senior US officials, though the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment.
Also Read: Hamas Denies Role in Rafah Attack, Accuses Israel of Violating Gaza Ceasefire
The escalation came after Israeli forces reportedly came under sniper and anti-tank fire in Rafah. Hamas denied involvement, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire and postponing the planned handover of an Israeli captive’s body.
The group’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, warned that any further Israeli escalation would hinder recovery operations and delay the return of Israeli soldiers’ remains.
A senior US official told Axios that the Trump administration did not consider Hamas’s actions a material breach of the ceasefire and urged Israel to avoid “radical measures” that could jeopardize the agreement.
Despite these warnings, Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Shin Bet Director David Zini, after which he approved renewed airstrikes in Gaza.
Also Read: Nine Killed in Israeli Strikes on Gaza, Violating Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire, in effect since October 10 under Trump’s 20-point plan, includes provisions for hostage exchanges, reconstruction of Gaza, and the establishment of a new governing body excluding Hamas.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
Also Read: Extremist Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Under Heavy Police Protection
Mina Indonesia
Mina Arabic
Mina Sport