Netanyahu Orders “Powerful” Strikes on Gaza After Accusing Hamas of Ceasefire Violations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military to launch “powerful” strikes on Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

In a brief statement released Tuesday, Netanyahu’s office said the decision followed “security consultations” amid mounting tensions in the region.

According to Israeli officials, Hamas breached the truce by failing to return the remains of 13 Israeli captives still believed to be in Gaza. The government also accused the group of misidentifying one of the recently returned bodies — saying it belonged to a hostage whose remains had been recovered two years earlier.

Israel further alleged that Hamas “staged” the return of remains, claiming drone footage showed militants moving and reburying bodies for Red Cross inspections.

The renewed hostilities come after reports that Israeli troops were attacked in Rafah, southern Gaza — an incident Tel Aviv blamed on Hamas. The group, however, denied involvement.

The developments threaten to derail the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that has been in place since October 9. Under the agreement, both Israel and Hamas agreed to exchange hostages — living and deceased — as part of a broader effort to ease tensions.

Hamas has countered Israel’s claims, accusing the Israeli government of obstructing recovery operations by blocking heavy equipment and restricting access to key search sites. Gaza’s Hamas-run media office also alleged that Israel has violated the ceasefire 125 times since October 10, including attacks that killed 94 Palestinians.

Following Netanyahu’s order, witnesses in Rafah reported heavy explosions and gunfire. Despite the escalation, Hamas officials said the group remains committed to the truce.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance sought to calm fears of a wider breakdown, saying Washington believes the ceasefire “will continue to hold.”