Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the army to launch powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip after accusing "Hamas" of violating a US-brokered ceasefire, the agencies reported.
"Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military to immediately launch powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip," his office said in a statement.
The statement came shortly after Israel reported that "Hamas" fighters had opened fire on Israeli forces in southern Gaza. According to Israeli Army Radio, Palestinian militants fired on Israeli soldiers near Rafah. Palestinians who witnessed the shooting said that the Israeli army subsequently shelled several nearby areas with artillery, DPA noted.
This comes at a time of heightened tension after "Hamas" handed over a coffin that Israel said contained only parts of a hostage's body that had already been returned.
Since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10, there have been periodic deadly incidents in the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, more than 90 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was announced.
DPA notes that it cannot independently confirm the information about the situation in Gaza.