Israeli airstrikes in Gaza led to the deaths of at least 26 individuals on Tuesday following accusations by Israel against Hamas for breaching a ceasefire in the Palestinian region. The casualties included five individuals in a residence struck in the Bureij refugee camp, four in a structure in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, and five in a vehicle in Khan Younis, including two children.
Witnesses observed Israeli plane attacks persisting into early Wednesday throughout the Gaza Strip. Reports also indicated airstrikes in Gaza City. A statement from Netanyahu’s office did not specify the cause for the planned strikes, although an Israeli military official claimed Hamas violated the ceasefire by attacking Israeli forces in an area under Israeli jurisdiction.
Israel informed the United States before carrying out the strikes, as confirmed by U.S. officials. While Israeli media indicated an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in Rafah, Hamas denied involvement in the attack. Hamas stated it was abiding by the ceasefire terms while accusing Netanyahu of seeking excuses to evade Israel’s responsibilities.
The ceasefire, which ended a two-year conflict, involved Hamas releasing living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel withdrew its troops and ceased hostilities. Hamas agreed to return the remains of deceased hostages, although challenges remain in locating and recovering the bodies due to the extent of destruction in Gaza.
Israeli officials accused Hamas of deceitfully handling the remains of a deceased hostage, Ofir Tzarfati, to create a false impression of body recovery efforts. The search for bodies has intensified with the assistance of heavy machinery from Egypt, including bulldozers deployed in various locations in Gaza.
Health authorities in Gaza reported thousands confirmed dead due to Israeli airstrikes, with many more still missing. Israeli forces are continuing demolitions in areas under their control. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that troops will persist in destroying Hamas tunnels, a significant portion of which remain intact.
