Israeli warplanes launched powerful airstrikes on Gaza late Tuesday, hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to retaliate over what he called Hamas violations of the shaky US-brokered ceasefire. Witnesses reported explosions across Gaza City, including near al-Shifa hospital, killing at least two people and wounding several others.
Netanyahu’s decision followed an emergency cabinet meeting amid pressure from far-right ministers urging a full resumption of war. In response, Hamas delayed the planned return of a hostage’s remains, while denying involvement in attacks on Israeli troops earlier that day. Israeli officials accused Hamas of firing anti-tank missiles in southern Gaza, calling it a “clear breach” of the ceasefire.
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Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed Hamas would “pay many times over,” while US officials confirmed Israel had notified Washington before the strikes. The ceasefire, in place since 10 October, now hangs by a thread despite repeated American efforts to maintain calm. Vice-President JD Vance said minor skirmishes were expected but hoped “the truce would hold.”
Hamas accused Israel of over 80 ceasefire violations since the truce began, while Israeli hardliners demanded the “complete destruction” of Hamas. As tensions soar, the fragile peace that had paused months of devastation appears close to collapse—threatening renewed bloodshed across Gaza and the region.
