Netanyahu Commands Israeli Army to Launch Powerful Strikes on Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to initiate “powerful strikes” on Gaza. This decision marks a significant escalation amid concerns over the fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States. The escalation follows reports of hostilities, including Hamas firing upon Israeli forces in southern Gaza.
Ceasefire Challenges and Violations
Netanyahu characterized an incident involving the return of remains by Hamas as a “clear violation” of the ceasefire terms. According to the agreement, Hamas is required to promptly return all Israeli hostage remains. Tensions escalated when Israeli troops were attacked in the city of Rafah, leading to return fire.
- Ceasefire began on October 10.
- 13 hostages’ bodies remain in Gaza.
- Hamas accused of delaying body returns amid destruction.
Hostage Remains and International Efforts
Hamas reported the recovery of a hostage body intended for delivery, but those plans were halted. An Associated Press reporter in Khan Younis observed a body bag being transferred from a tunnel to an ambulance, raising questions about its contents.
The slow return of bodies complicates ceasefire negotiations, which include issues like the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of an international security force in Gaza. Egypt has dispatched experts to assist in locating the remains of the remaining hostages.
Previous Issues with Body Returns
This incident isn’t the first time Hamas has struggled with returning remains during the ceasefire. During the initial phases, Israel revealed that one of the bodies returned did not belong to an Israeli citizen. In previous ceasefires, discrepancies have also been reported regarding the identities of returned bodies.
- February 2025: Three hostages returned, but one identified as a Palestinian.
- Shiri Bibas’ body was returned a day later after initial confusion.
As each day unfolds, the situation remains tense as the conflict continues to impact both Israeli and Palestinian lives. The international community watches closely as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire faces significant tests.
