TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered renewed military strikes on Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement that has held since early October.
In a statement released by Netanyahu’s office on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Israeli leader directed the military to launch “powerful” attacks following what officials described as a “serious breach” of the truce terms.
The decision came after high-level security consultations in Tel Aviv.
According to the Israeli government, Hamas violated the ceasefire by failing to return the bodies of the remaining 13 Israeli captives still believed to be held in Gaza.
Israel also accused the group of providing the misidentified remains of one hostage, whose body had already been recovered two years ago.
Officials further alleged that Hamas had “staged” the recovery of remains for international monitors.
“Drone footage showed Hamas operatives moving and reburying bodies before the Red Cross arrived,” an Israeli government statement said.
The escalation follows reports that Israeli troops came under attack in Rafah, southern Gaza.
Israel blamed Hamas for the incident, though the group denied any involvement.
The truce — brokered by the United States and in effect since October 9 — required both sides to exchange hostages, including deceased captives, and to halt all military operations.
The latest confrontation has cast doubt on the durability of that agreement.
In response, Hamas accused Israel of obstructing recovery efforts for the bodies of Israeli captives.
The group said the Israeli military prevented excavation equipment and rescue teams from entering areas where the remains were believed to be buried.
Gaza’s Hamas-run media office also claimed that Israel had committed 125 violations of the ceasefire since Friday, October 10, alleging that 94 Palestinians had been killed in those incidents.
Following Netanyahu’s order, witnesses in Rafah reported hearing heavy gunfire and multiple explosions.
The strikes mark one of the most significant escalations since the ceasefire began, raising fears of a wider breakdown in the truce.
Despite the renewed hostilities, Hamas said it remained committed to maintaining the agreement. “The movement continues to adhere to the ceasefire terms,” a spokesperson said in a brief statement.
In Washington, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance sought to calm tensions, saying the ceasefire would continue to hold despite the latest flare-up. “Both parties have signalled their willingness to prevent a total collapse,” Vance told reporters.
