Israel-Gaza latest: Netanyahu’s military strikes targets near hospital leaving ceasefire in tatters – UK Times

Israel notified the US before it launched its latest strikes on Gaza, two US officials told the Associated Press.

Donald Trump said on Saturday he would be watching Hamas’ return of the deceased hostages “very closely” over the following days.

He is yet to comment on Tuesday’s strikes.

Hamas has denied having any connection to the attack on Israeli forces that impelled Israel to launch attacks in Gaza.

Israeli officials claim Hamas opened fire on troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Hamas has refuted any involvement and said it was still committed to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal in Gaza.

Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, said Hamas “will pay a heavy price” for attacking IDF soldiers in Rafah on Tuesday, and for “violating the agreement to return the fallen hostages.”

“The attack on IDF soldiers in Gaza today by the Hamas terrorist organisation is crossing a bright red line to which the IDF will respond with great force.

“Hamas will pay with compound interest for attacking the soldiers and violating the agreement to return the fallen hostages,” Katz says.

Hamas said it has no connection to the attack.

An Israeli military official said Israeli troops returned fire after being shot at in the southern city of Rafah.

At least two people are dead and four after Israeli struck a neighbourhood south of Gaza City, according to Gaza’s civil defence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military to carry out “powerful” attacks on Gaza shortly after Israeli officials accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Earlier today, Israel said Hamas opened fire on troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which is under Israeli control.

Netanyahu also accused Hamas of breaching the deal after it returned the additional remains of hostage Ofir Tzarfati, who had already been recovered and buried in 2023.

Witnesses have heard the sound of explosions and tanks firing in various parts of Gaza, including in Gaza City and Deir al-Balah.

Strikes are reported to have targeted an area near Shifa hospital, the largest operational hospital in northern Gaza.

Israeli forces have launched an attack on Gaza, targeting an area near northern Gaza’s largest operational hospital, according to witnesses.

Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to carry out the strikes.

Israeli military officials accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement after Israel said it opened fire at Israeli troops in Rafah on Tuesday.