Israeli Airstrikes Kill 9 in Gaza After Netanyahu Orders ‘Forceful Response’
Attacks come after Hamas allegedly violated US-brokered truce, Gaza officials report civilian casualties, including women and children
Jerusalem, Oct 29: At least nine people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to launch “forceful strikes” in response to an alleged violation of the US-brokered ceasefire by Hamas, CNN reported.
According to reports, Israel informed the US before initiating the strikes, which followed an attack by Hamas militants on Israeli troops stationed east of the yellow line the boundary separating the Israeli occupied section of Gaza from the rest of the enclave.
A military official said Israeli forces near Rafah came under rocket propelled grenade (RPG) and sniper fire, prompting the retaliation. Following the incident, Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas would pay a “heavy price” for attacking Israeli soldiers. “Israel will respond with great force,” Katz stated.
Civilian Deaths Reported in Gaza
Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that one of the Israeli airstrikes hit the Al-Sabra neighbourhood in Gaza City, killing three women and a man. Another strike in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, left five people dead, including two children and a woman.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al Shifa Hospital, said at least three explosions were heard near the medical complex in northern Gaza.
Tensions Escalate Over Ceasefire Breach
The Israeli government accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by attacking its troops, while Hamas denied the claim, describing Israel’s bombardment as a “criminal act” that undermined the truce. The group reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire, CNN reported.
In a separate development, Israel accused Hamas of misidentifying the remains of a captive returned to Israel, claiming they belonged to a person recovered two years ago. Netanyahu said he is reviewing next steps in response to the incident, according to Al Jazeera.
Wider Conflict Toll
The Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted in October 2023, has killed at least 68,527 people and injured 170,395 others, according to Al Jazeera. The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel claimed 1,139 lives and resulted in the abduction of over 250 people.
The latest airstrikes threaten to unravel the fragile ceasefire deal, raising fears of a renewed escalation in the Gaza conflict.
