Israel resumed enforcement of the Israel Hamas ceasefire on Wednesday after launching strikes on Gaza. The action followed a Gaza ceasefire violation by Hamas, including the killing of an Israeli American soldier.
Netanyahu Orders Gaza Strikes After Violation
Following security consultations on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military “to immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip,” his office stated. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes hit dozens of terror targets and terrorists.
The IDF and ISA struck 30 terrorists who held command positions within militant organizations operating in Gaza. The military action was a direct response to breaches of the ceasefire by Hamas.
Renewed Enforcement of Israel Hamas Ceasefire
The IDF announced it began the “renewed enforcement of the ceasefire” on Wednesday in response to Hamas’s actions. The military has committed to maintaining the truce going forward.
“The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it,” the military said in a statement. This declaration signals a readiness to act against any future breaches.
Israeli American Soldier Killed in Gaza
An Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson reported that Hamas killed a soldier on Tuesday, noting the man was “an Israeli American citizen.” The incident was a key factor leading to the retaliatory strikes.
The Israel Foreign Ministry identified the fallen soldier as Master Sergeant (Res.) Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37. Feldbaum, a soldier in the Combat Engineering Corps, fell in combat in southern Gaza.
Hamas Red Cross Staged Body Discovery Alleged
The IDF also accused Hamas of a deception involving international aid workers. “Yesterday, Hamas terrorists were filmed removing body remains from a prepared structure and re-burying them nearby, before summoning Red Cross representatives to stage a false ‘discovery’ for photographers,” the IDF stated.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) condemned the incident. “The ICRC team at this location were not aware that a deceased person had been placed there prior to their arrival, as seen in the footage,” the organization said.
“It is unacceptable that a fake recovery was staged,” the ICRC continued. The statement highlighted the distress the event caused for families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
