Tensions Rise: Israel and Hamas Clash Over Ceasefire Violations in Gaza | TNNEWS

Escalating Tensions: Israel and Hamas Clash Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Renewed Conflict in Southern Gaza

On Sunday, Israeli forces reported retaliating against Hamas militants in southern Gaza, marking a sudden surge in hostilities that jeopardizes a ceasefire barely a week old.

The Israel Defense Forces announced that their troops in Rafah were targeted with gunfire and an anti-tank missile by “terrorists.”

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered decisive action against Hamas targets in Gaza, as stated in a social media post.

Ceasefire Violations and Accusations

The IDF conducted strikes to dismantle tunnel networks and other Hamas infrastructure, labeling the attacks on their forces a “clear breach of the ceasefire.”

Later, the IDF confirmed a series of operations against Hamas in southern Gaza, citing the earlier ceasefire violation.

Hamas, however, claimed disconnection from its units in Rafah and denied any knowledge of the violence, maintaining its commitment to the ceasefire, as reported by the BBC. Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq accused Israel of “fabricating excuses” to justify its actions.

Ongoing Strife and Humanitarian Concerns

Hamas has been suppressing rival factions in Gaza, though it’s unclear if this relates to Sunday’s events. The U.S. State Department warned of potential Hamas attacks on Palestinian civilians, which would breach the ceasefire.

On Saturday, an Israeli strike on a bus in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 11 family members, including seven children, according to local health officials. Israeli forces claimed the bus crossed a restricted zone, posing an “imminent threat.”

Ceasefire Agreement and Its Challenges

Gaza’s media office accused Israel of 47 ceasefire violations since its inception, as reported by the Guardian.

The U.S.-brokered ceasefire involved the release of 20 Israeli hostages held since the October 7th attacks two years ago, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, as detailed in a report.

Hamas has also returned the bodies of some Israeli hostages. Among them were Ronen Engel, who died protecting his family, and Thai national Sontaya Oakkharasri, both victims of the October 7th attacks.

Sixteen Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for in Gaza.

Impact of the Ongoing Conflict

The Israeli government reports 1,144 fatalities from the 2023 attacks led by Hamas. The subsequent two-year conflict has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.