Israel launched attacks on Gaza following Prime Minister Netanyahu's order, killing at least 30 people in Southern Gaza. Delays by Hamas in returning hostage bodies and renewed shelling have made the US-brokered ceasefire challenging.
Israel-Gaza 2.0 War: Tensions have escalated in Israel and Gaza. The US-brokered ceasefire is now in jeopardy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered "powerful attacks" on Gaza. Following this order, Israel launched attacks in areas near Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people in southern Gaza. The US-mediated ceasefire, effective since October 10, has been completely challenged by recent developments.
Finance Minister's Warning
Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich has confirmed that the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) plans to occupy Gaza. He stated that the next phase would be "swift, sharp, and resolute." He accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and called for "violent retaliation." Israel is preparing for a new, brutal chapter in Gaza.
Netanyahu's Order
Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the Israeli army to immediately launch attacks in Gaza. He stated that Hamas was firing at Israeli forces in southern Gaza. Following this attack, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Hamas would pay a "heavy price" for targeting Israeli soldiers. He added that Israel would respond with full force.
Hamas Delays Return of Hostage Bodies
After the ceasefire, Hamas had handed over body parts of a hostage, who had been recovered by Israeli soldiers two years ago. Recently, Hamas announced that it would delay the return of the hostage's body. This move has become a new challenge for the US-brokered ceasefire. The sounds of shelling and explosions are being heard in several parts of Gaza.
Violation of Ceasefire Agreement
Netanyahu stated that the remains of the hostage returned by Hamas constituted a "clear violation" of the ceasefire agreement. Under this agreement, Hamas was supposed to return the bodies of all Israeli hostages as soon as possible. There are still 13 hostage bodies in Gaza. The slow process of handing over these remains is hindering the implementation of further stages of the ceasefire.
Situation in Southern Gaza
On Tuesday, Israeli soldiers came under fire in the southern city of Rafah, after which Israeli forces retaliated. The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Hamas stated that it is struggling to locate bodies amidst widespread devastation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has accused Hamas of deliberately delaying the return of bodies.
