The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched multiple air strikes across Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least nine people, after accusing Hamas of violating a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, CNN reported. The escalation marks one of the most serious flare-ups since the truce came into effect.

Netanyahu orders ‘forceful strikes’

According to a brief statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli military was instructed to “immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip.” Israeli officials later confirmed that Washington had been informed in advance of the planned response.

Military sources cited by CNN claimed that Hamas militants attacked Israeli troops stationed east of the “yellow line,” which separates the Israeli-controlled zone of Gaza from the rest of the enclave. Forces deployed in the Rafah area reportedly came under rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and sniper fire.

Following the attack, Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed retaliation. “Hamas will pay a heavy price for targeting IDF personnel. Israel will respond with great force,” Katz said.

Civilian casualties reported in Gaza

Shortly after Katz’s statement, Gaza Civil Defence officials reported a series of deadly air strikes. In Gaza City’s Al-Sabra neighbourhood, an Israeli strike killed three women and a man, while another strike in Khan Younis, in the south, killed five people, including two children and a woman.

The director of Al Shifa Hospital, Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, told CNN that at least three explosions were heard near the hospital in northern Gaza, raising fears of further civilian casualties.

Dispute over captive’s remains adds tension

Adding to the tensions, Israeli authorities accused Hamas of misidentifying the remains of a recently returned captive. The remains were later determined to belong to a person whose body had been recovered two years ago.

Netanyahu said he was considering the “next steps” following what he called an act of “deception” by Hamas. According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli government is consulting with military and intelligence officials over a possible diplomatic and military response.

Hamas denies ceasefire violation

In a statement issued late Tuesday, Hamas condemned what it called a “criminal bombardment” by Israel and denied any responsibility for the alleged attack on Israeli troops. The group insisted that it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and accused Israel of using the incident as a pretext for renewed military action.

The latest strikes have once again placed the fragile truce in jeopardy, with international mediators urging both sides to exercise restraint.

Conflict toll continues to climb

The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has so far killed at least 68,527 people and injured 170,395, according to Al Jazeera. The conflict erupted after Hamas-led attacks killed 1,139 people in Israel and took more than 250 captives.

Despite several ceasefire attempts brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, violence has continued intermittently, complicating humanitarian relief efforts across the besieged enclave.