Ceasefire in Peril? Israel Strikes Gaza, Halts Aid After Accusing Hamas of Truce Violations

Tensions have flared again in Gaza after Israel launched a series of air strikes and announced a suspension of humanitarian aid, accusing Hamas of violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that had paused more than two years of conflict.

According to Israeli military officials, Hamas fighters in Rafah attacked Israeli forces with rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, prompting retaliatory strikes in southern Gaza. Additional incidents of fire directed at Israeli troops “beyond the Yellow Line”, the designated withdrawal boundary under the truce, were also reported.

At least eight people were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes across several parts of Gaza. Israeli officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate halt to aid deliveries “until further notice.”

Hamas, however, denied breaking the truce. Its military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, said it had no knowledge of any attacks in Rafah and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire across the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu held high-level security consultations on Sunday with Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chiefs, ordering them to “act forcefully” against Hamas targets. Katz warned that Hamas would “pay a heavy price for every violation” of the truce.

The latest escalation comes as far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition call for a full resumption of the war. Meanwhile, Hamas said it had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage and would return it “if conditions on the ground allow.”