Tensions in the Israel-Gaza corridor have surged anew as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the Israeli military to launch immediate and forceful airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. According to official statements from Netanyahu's office, the directive—issued on October 28, 2025—stems from accusations that Hamas violated a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that began on October 10, 2025. This development threatens to unravel fragile truce efforts amid ongoing disputes over hostage remains and mutual claims of infractions, heightening fears of renewed widespread conflict.
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| Israel’s Netanyahu orders immediate strikes on Gaza |
Sources within the Israeli government report that the escalation was triggered by Hamas's handover of partial remains on October 27, 2025, which forensic experts identified as those of Ofir Tzarfati—a victim whose body had already been recovered from Gaza nearly two years earlier. This marked the third such return of Tzarfati's remains, following recoveries in late 2023 and March 2024. Netanyahu's office labeled the incident a "clear violation of the agreement," asserting that Hamas deliberately stalled progress on recovering the remaining 28 bodies stipulated in the ceasefire deal. Hamas, in response, announced a postponement of the next scheduled handover, blaming Israeli actions for complicating recovery efforts in war-ravaged sites.
"Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military to immediately carry out powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip," read the official communique from his office. Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian emphasized coordination with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating, "In terms of consequences for Hamas, nothing is off the table right now." She further accused Hamas of staging the discovery by burying and exhuming the remains for the handover. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum echoed this urgency, urging decisive action against the "severe breach," while far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for unyielding retaliation on social media.
Hamas's armed wing declared the delay a direct response to "the occupation’s violations," warning that further escalation would impede searches for the remaining bodies. Spokesperson Hazem Qassem reaffirmed commitment to the process, noting challenges from Israeli bombardments that have obscured locations. Gaza's health ministry, citing reliable UN-backed figures, reported at least 94 deaths from Israeli fire since the truce's onset, contributing to a staggering overall toll of 68,531 lives lost in the broader conflict. Residents like Abdul-Hayy al-Hajj Ahmed expressed exhaustion, fearing the accusations serve as a pretext for war's return.
This flare-up revisits the horrors of Hamas's October 7, 2023, assault, which killed 1,221 people—mostly civilians—and saw 251 hostages taken, per official tallies. While 20 living hostages were freed under the ceasefire, disputes over the 28 bodies persist, with 16 handed over to date. Tzarfati's family, mourning the repeated exhumations, highlighted the unending grief: "This is the third time we have been forced to open Ofir’s grave." As strikes commence, international observers call for restraint to salvage the truce and advance diplomacy.
These events, drawn from verified official statements and eyewitness accounts, underscore the volatility of ceasefire dynamics in the Israel-Gaza theater. For ongoing updates and humanitarian impacts, consult diplomatic channels and aid organizations.
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