Israel strikes Gaza over ‘blatant’ ceasefire violation by Hamas

Israel launched a series of strikes in Gaza on Sunday in response to attacks on its forces, the military said, shaking an already fragile ceasefire in the shattered enclave as it traded blame with militant group Hamas for violating the truce.

Residents in Gaza and local health authorities said Israeli airstrikes and tank fired across the enclave killed at least 11 people. An Israeli military official said further strikes against Hamas targets might still be launched, in retaliation for at least three attacks on Israeli troops on Sunday.

The Israeli military said airstrikes and artillery fire targeted militants in the southern area of Rafah who had launched an anti-tank missile and fired on its soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to respond forcefully to what he described as Hamas’ violations of the ceasefire.

Hamas’ armed wing said it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement in all of Gaza, adding that it was unaware of clashes in Rafah.

On Saturday, Israel said the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would remain closed.