Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened an emergency war council following reports of Hamas violating the recently established ceasefire. The announcement, made via the Prime Minister’s Office on X, stated that “strong action” would be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip. This development comes amid escalating tensions and conflicting claims of ceasefire violations, with Palestinian officials alleging 47 Israeli breaches leading to 38 fatalities and 143 injuries. The broader conflict, ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. In a related move, Netanyahu ordered the Rafah border crossing to remain closed, linking its potential reopening to Hamas’s return of deceased Israeli hostages. Hamas has denied responsibility, accusing Netanyahu of using “flimsy pretexts.” Protests in Tel Aviv have amplified calls for the government to secure the return of all hostages. The situation remains volatile, with fears of a renewed full-scale conflict.
