Israel launched strikes in the southern Gaza Strip, responding to what it described as an attack by Hamas militants. This incident marks the first significant challenge to a US-brokered ceasefire aimed at ending over two years of conflict.
The confrontation began when members of the Palestinian group used a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes and artillery fire, according to the Israeli military reports on Sunday.
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consulted with the nation’s security leaders and instructed the military to take decisive action against any breaches of the ceasefire. However, he stopped short of threatening a return to full-scale war.
Meanwhile, the US State Department claimed it had credible intelligence indicating an imminent attack by Hamas on Gaza residents, a statement that the group has dismissed.
“Such an attack on Palestinian civilians would severely violate the ceasefire and jeopardize the substantial progress made through mediation efforts,” the US State Department stated on Saturday.
Hamas has labeled these claims as “false allegations” and accused Israel of backing armed factions within Israeli-controlled regions. The group urged the US to pressure Israel into halting its support and providing these groups with refuge.
Hamas-led fighters clashed with at least two armed groups in eastern Gaza City that the group alleges are involved in looting aid and collaborating with Israel. They executed a handful of suspects in public, in widely condemned street killings.
The Interior Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, says its forces were working to restore law and order across areas Israel’s military withdrew from following the ceasefire.
