'Israel' claims targeted strikes on Hamas leaders amid disputed ceasefire

• 'Israel' targets Hamas leaders in Gaza, amid disputed ceasefire and rising tensions.

'Israel’s' military, in coordination with its internal security agency (Shabak), said it successfully targeted senior Hamas officials in recent airstrikes across northern and southern Gaza.

Read more: Hamas condemns repeated 'Israeli' strikes on Gaza and Lebanon, urges international action

The 'Israeli' government claimed the operations were in retaliation for a rocket fired toward its territory.

Hamas, however, rejected the 'Israeli' narrative, describing the killings as deliberate violations aimed at undermining the “Trump plan” for a ceasefire, which enjoys international backing.

Context of tensions and conflicting claims

These developments come amid reports that 'Israel' is preparing a partial withdrawal from Rafah to create safe zones for displaced residents. Meanwhile, 'Israeli' military and political leaders reportedly remain divided over whether to move to a second phase of their operational plan.

According to 'Israeli' statements, the recent strikes targeted Hamas infrastructure and key figures. The military named several officials it claims were eliminated, including:

• Kamal Abdul Rahman Muhammad Awad, described as heading Hamas’s anti-tank unit.
• Ahmed Thabet, claimed to lead a weapons production workshop.

Hamas response and concerns over ceasefire

Hamas dismissed the claims, telling mediators that 'Israel' was using fabricated justifications to carry out targeted assassinations. Senior Hamas official Basem Naeem said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was deliberately undermining the agreement to protect his political position after failing to achieve his objectives.

Hamas sources emphasized that the movement has fully adhered to ceasefire commitments, while 'Israel’s' violations have resulted in hundreds of casualties. The group also warned that these “breaches” would not occur without U.S. acquiescence.

The conflicting narratives now put the so-called “Trump plan” at risk, with analysts suggesting that Netanyahu may be prolonging the conflict to avoid domestic political fallout.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, raising questions about the ability of mediators and the U.S. to prevent a wider escalation.