Israel Says It Has ‘Renewed Enforcement’ Of Ceasefire After Conducting Airstrikes In Response To Attack By Hamas | World News

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that it had “renewed its implementation” of the ceasefire agreement following a series of airstrikes in Gaza in retaliation for what it claimed were Hamas attacks on its forces, describing them as a “blatant violation” of the agreement.

“After a series of significant attacks carried out in accordance with the directive of the political echelon and in response to violations by Hamas, the IDF has begun to re-enforce the ceasefire in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Israeli Armed Forces will continue to support the ceasefire agreement and will respond harshly to any violations,” the IDF said in a post on site X. he said.

Earlier in the day, the IDF said it had carried out airstrikes targeting dozens of Hamas-affiliated areas in Gaza. These include weapons storage facilities, firing positions, terrorist cells and nearly 6 kilometers of underground tunnels allegedly used to plan attacks against Israel. The IDF said more than 120 rounds of ammunition were used in the operation.

The IDF’s attacks came after defense forces escalated attacks by Hamas militants in the Rafah sector of southern Gaza, where they claimed anti-tank missiles and gunfire were directed at IDF troops operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire.

“Earlier today, terrorists opened fire with anti-tank missiles and guns on IDF units operating to eliminate the terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area. In response, the IDF began attacking the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activities. These terrorist actions are a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and the IDF responded harshly will give.” The IDF said in another post.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families of two IDF soldiers, Major Yaniv Kula and Staff Sergeant Itay Ya’avetz, who were killed in the Rafah incident.

“On behalf of the entire Israeli people, my wife and I send our sincerest condolences to the families of the Nahal Brigade soldiers – Major Yaniv Kula and Staff Sergeant Itay Ya’avets – who were martyred in the difficult incident in Rafah,” Netanyahu said in a statement. he said.

“I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured in that incident. Yaniv and Itay fought bravely against the murderers of Hamas to protect the security of Israel. Their courage and heroism will forever be remembered in our hearts. Their memories will be remembered with mercy.”

Meanwhile, the Gaza Media Office reported that 97 people have died and 230 people have been injured since the ceasefire came into force on October 10.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the office accused the Israeli military of 80 violations since October 10, calling them “clear and obvious violations” of the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law.

At least 42 Palestinians were killed by Israeli military fire in many areas in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported, citing hospital sources in Gaza; this was one of the deadliest days since the US-brokered ceasefire came into effect.

Despite the ceasefire, the latest increase in violence has increased the total death toll in Gaza to 68,159 and the number of injured to 170,203 since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.