VIDEO: 'Israel' launched at least three air strikes on territory, says Gaza civil defense
'Israel' carried out at least three airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening, Gaza’s civil defense authorities reported, signaling a potential collapse of the fragile ceasefire in place.
Earlier, the office of 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to conduct “strong and immediate strikes” following urgent security consultations. The move was prompted by what 'Israeli' officials described as “serious violations” of the ceasefire by Hamas, including the alleged firing that injured an 'Israeli' soldier in Rafah, southern Gaza, earlier today.
According to' Israeli' reports, Hamas operatives reportedly fired at 'Israeli' forces operating inside Gaza, with the most significant incident involving fighters emerging from a tunnel and launching anti-tank projectiles at troops. One 'Israeli' soldier was reportedly injured in the attack.
In retaliation, the 'Israeli' military said it targeted “terrorist sites,” including buildings and tunnel openings, which it said posed a direct threat to its forces. Officials warned that additional strikes could follow in response to what they called “unacceptable violations” of the ceasefire.
Kan News reported that 'Israel' is also considering an expansion of military-controlled areas in Gaza, with Netanyahu coordinating the plan alongside the United States. The announcement has raised concerns over the durability of the current ceasefire and the risk of a broader return to conflict.
Meanwhile, the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced on Tuesday evening the postponement of the handover of the body of 'Israeli' captive Amiram Cooper, which had been scheduled for later tonight.
The group said the move came in response to what it described as violations by 'Israel' of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
In a statement, the brigades warned that any further 'Israeli' escalation would obstruct ongoing search efforts for other remains and delay their recovery.
The decision came unexpectedly, just hours after a senior resistance source confirmed that Cooper’s body had been located inside a tunnel north of Khan Younis, and that preparations were underway to transfer it.
According to the Qassam statement, the body of one of the 'Israeli' captives, believed to be Cooper, was recovered during search operations in a tunnel in southern Gaza.
“We have decided to postpone its handover, which was scheduled for today, due to the occupation’s violations,” the statement said.
The group did not elaborate on the nature of those violations, but the announcement followed 'Israeli' airstrikes on southern Gaza earlier in the day, reportedly carried out in response to the wounding of an 'Israeli' soldier in Rafah.
