Israel resumes ceasefire enforcement in Gaza

On October 29, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had resumed enforcing the ceasefire in Gaza, after reporting breaches of the agreement.

In a statement, the military said that over 30 militants holding command positions within Gaza-based militant groups were targeted in recent strikes conducted jointly with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).

“These operations are in accordance with directives from the political echelon and are aimed at responding to ongoing threats while upholding the ceasefire,” the IDF said.

The military added it would continue to enforce the truce and respond firmly to any further violations.

On October 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the army to carry out “powerful strikes” in Gaza, following reported Hamas attacks on Israeli forces and the return of remains Israel said belonged to a recovered hostage.

The moves come amid rising tensions over the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Israeli troops exchanged fire with militants in the southern city of Rafah, an Israeli military official said.

Netanyahu called Hamas’ handling of the remains a “clear violation” of the ceasefire agreement.

By Aghakazim Guliyev