The Israeli military reportedly killed at least 15 Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday after it launched attacks across the territory in violation of the ceasefire.
The strikes came after the Israeli government claimed that Hamas had attacked Israeli troops in an Israel-occupied area of southern Gaza.
Hamas denied knowledge of the attacks and said it was committed to upholding the terms of the truce. One official accused Israel of searching for a “pretext” to relaunch its war on the territory.
Meanwhile, the group’s armed wing announced in the afternoon it had located the body of another deceased captive and said it would hand it over to Israel later on Sunday. This came hours after Hamas handed over another two bodies of deceased Israeli captives on Saturday.
One was identified as Ronen Engel, who was captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October 2023. The second was later confirmed to be Thai agricultural worker Sonthaya Oakkharasri.
Several Israeli news outlets are reporting that the Israeli government has decided to reimpose its blockade on all humanitarian aid entering Gaza “until further notice” in response to what it said were Hamas attacks on Israeli troops earlier today.
The Israeli military has put out a statement announcing it is launching a new wave of airstrikes in southern Gaza.
At least 11 Palestinians were killed earlier today after Israeli warplanes and artillery pounded the enclave in response to what it said was a Hamas attack on Israeli troops.
Israel pounds Gaza, reimposes blockade as fragile ceasefire breaks down
JERUSALEM, OCT 19 (AGENCIES)