Ceasefire under strain: Hamas says 33 killed in Israeli strikes; Netanyahu calls emergency meeting

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Sunday that it has launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in southern Gaza. In an official statement, the military said the action was in direct response to what it called a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" by Hamas earlier in the day.



Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold an emergency security meeting with Defence Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Eyal Zamir following what Israeli officials described as a “serious breach” of the truce.

The fragile Gaza ceasefire appeared on the brink of collapse on Sunday as Hamas fighters launched attacks on Israeli troops in Rafah, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

According to Israeli reports, Hamas militants fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli military engineering vehicles operating near Rafah early Sunday. The IDF responded with airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in the area. Israeli media also reported the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) that injured several soldiers. The latest clashes come amid growing concerns that the two-year ceasefire, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, may be unravelling.

Airstrikes follow Hamas assault in Rafah

The Times of Israel reported that “terror operatives” emerged from a tunnel in southern Gaza and opened fire on Israeli troops, prompting an immediate IDF counterstrike. This was the second major incident in the Rafah region within days. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 confirmed ongoing exchanges of fire in the city, while Al Jazeera, reporting from Amman due to its ban in Israel and the West Bank, said Hamas fighters were attempting to encircle areas held by Israeli-backed militias.



The Israeli military confirmed that it conducted air strikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Sunday after its forces were targeted by militants. Gaza's civil defence agency said a series of Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 33 people across the territory.

“Earlier today, terrorists fired anti-tank missiles and opened fire on IDF troops working to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area in line with the agreement,” the military said in a statement. “The IDF responded with air strikes from fighter jets and artillery fire, aiming to neutralise the threat. Several operational tunnels and military structures associated with terrorist activity were destroyed,” it added.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to “resume fighting at full strength” and “destroy Hamas completely.” The IDF has yet to release an official statement on casualties. Meanwhile, tensions spread to the West Bank, where Israeli forces shot dead 42-year-old Majed Mohammad Dawood during a raid in Nablus, according to the Palestinian Wafa agency.

The escalation followed a warning from the US State Department that it had received “credible reports” of a planned Hamas attack on Palestinian civilians in Gaza — a move Washington said would constitute a “direct and grave violation” of the ceasefire. Hamas dismissed the claim as “Israeli propaganda.”


Also read: 'Israel armed criminal militias': Is Hamas planning attack on Gaza civilians? What terror group said on US allegations

Hostage remains and humanitarian strain

Amid the renewed fighting, Hamas handed over two coffins containing the bodies of Israeli hostages late Saturday, bringing the total to 12. Israel responded by keeping the Rafah border crossing closed “until further notice,” citing Hamas’s slow cooperation. The closure, in place since Israel seized the Gaza side in May 2024, has blocked thousands from travelling for medical or family reasons.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said over 68,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023, while thousands remain missing. Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza on Saturday, bringing its total to 135. Families on both sides continue to wait for the return of loved ones, as aid remains limited and infrastructure in ruins.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described vast parts of Gaza as “a wasteland,” noting that aid deliveries have fallen far short of the 600 daily trucks agreed under the ceasefire. Hamas has accused Israel of continued violations and strikes that have killed at least 38 Palestinians since the truce began.


Also read: 'Credible report': US says Hamas planning attack on Gaza civilians; threatens action