By ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to launch immediate and “powerful” strikes in Gaza, following renewed hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas.
The directive came on Tuesday, shortly after Israel reported that Hamas had opened fire on its troops in southern Gaza, raising tensions across the region.
The escalation follows Israel’s accusation that Hamas violated a fragile ceasefire agreement by returning additional remains of hostage Ofir Tzarfati—whose body had already been recovered and buried in 2023. The Prime Minister’s Office described the move as a “clear violation” of the ongoing agreement, which has faced increasing strain over the handling of hostage remains.
READ ALSO: https://stonixnews.com/why-davido-chose-akwa-ibom-as-his-first-concert-stop-in-nigeria/
In response, Mr Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting with defence officials to assess the situation and determine the next course of action.
Hamas had been expected to transfer another body to Israel on Tuesday but delayed the handover after Israel announced plans for fresh strikes.
Despite the uneasy truce, an Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that troops retaliated earlier in the day after Hamas fired on their positions in Rafah.
Hamas has yet to return the bodies of 13 hostages, citing difficulties in locating them due to extensive devastation in Gaza. Israel, however, accuses the group of deliberately delaying the process.
Mr Tzarfati was among those abducted during the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023 and was later killed in captivity.
In a statement, his family expressed deep anguish, saying this was the third time they had been compelled to “open Ofir’s grave and rebury our son.” His body was first recovered by Israeli forces in November 2023, and additional remains were received in March 2024.
(Source: The Independent, UK)
What's your reaction?
