Strikes Launched

Israel conducted a series of airstrikes across Gaza on Sunday in response to alleged attacks on its forces, marking the most serious test of the week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Context

The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 11, bringing a pause to two years of war. The agreement included the release of 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas and approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The deal also called for Hamas to return the bodies of 28 deceased hostages and for a significant increase in humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza. However, in the days following the ceasefire, both sides accused each other of violating the agreement.

Israeli Response

Israeli forces said militants in the southern Gaza city of Rafah fired at troops with gunfire and an anti-tank missile on Sunday.