Tensions are rising in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered immediate strikes on the Strip , the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced. "Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the army to immediately carry out powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip ," the statement read.
Shortly thereafter , IAF fighters resumed their attacks in Rafah and Gaza City, which was hit by three raids in an area near the largest hospital in the northern Strip . There were also reported casualties, at least five.
The prime minister's decision came after the firefights that occurred today in Rafah , in the southern Gaza Strip, between Hamas militants and IDF soldiers . According to Haaretz, Hamas militants opened fire on IDF forces with snipers and anti-tank missiles, and Israeli soldiers responded with artillery fire. "A violation of the ceasefire brokered by Trump," Israel attacked .
But the accusations are mutual, as Hamas postponed the handover of the body of one of the hostages , which was scheduled for this evening, following what it called Israeli "violations" of the ceasefire. "We will postpone today's handover due to violations of the occupation," the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement, adding that any "Israeli escalation will hinder the search and recovery of the bodies."
Skirmishes, according to US Vice President J.D. Vance: "The ceasefire is holding. I believe peace in the Middle East will endure despite the skirmishes," he declared.
(Unioneonline)
