Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to implement “powerful strikes” in Gaza amidst escalating tensions. This decision raises questions about the stability of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Recent Tensions in Gaza
The directive from Netanyahu came after Hamas allegedly fired on Israeli troops in southern Gaza. Additionally, the militant group returned some remains, which Israel claimed belonged to a hostage recovered during the conflict. Netanyahu condemned this act as a “clear violation” of ceasefire terms, which mandate the swift return of all remains of Israeli hostages.
Violence in Southern Gaza
On Tuesday, reports emerged of Israeli troops being shot at in the city of Rafah. In response, the Israeli military engaged in return fire, although this incident has not yet been officially confirmed.
Hostage Situation
- There are currently 13 hostages whose bodies are still in Gaza.
- Hamas claimed to have recovered one hostage’s body intended for transfer, but those plans were canceled.
- An AP videographer observed a white body bag being moved from a tunnel by masked individuals, the contents of which remain unclear.
The slow pace of returning hostages’ remains is complicating future stages of the ceasefire discussions. Issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of an international security force are at stake. Hamas claims difficulty locating bodies amidst widespread destruction, while Israel accuses them of intentionally delaying the process.
International Assistance and Ceasefire Challenges
In an effort to assist, Egypt has deployed a team equipped with heavy machinery to aid in the search for hostages’ remains. Their operations are ongoing in Khan Younis and Nuseirat.
Historical Context
This incident is not the first complexity arising under the ceasefire. Following the ceasefire’s commencement on October 10, concerns were raised when one body returned by Hamas was identified as that of an unidentified Palestinian. In a previous ceasefire in February 2025, Hamas had also faced scrutiny over the authenticity of remains returned, including a case involving Shiri Bibas and her sons. Testing revealed discrepancies about the identities of the bodies delivered.
The current situation remains fluid as tensions linger, with Netanyahu’s new orders likely intensifying the conflict in Gaza.
