In line with directives from Israel's political leadership, and after a series of major strikes on dozens of terrorist targets, the IDF resumed enforcement of the ceasefire deal after Hamas violated it. The renewed fighting followed the death of Sgt. Maj. (res.) Efi Feldbaum, 37, who was killed in action Tuesday in combat near Rafah in southern Gaza.
During the latest wave of attacks, the IDF and the Shin Bet security agency targeted and killed more than 30 Hamas and other terrorists in positions across Gaza. The IDF stressed that it would continue to enforce the agreement and respond firmly to any further violations.
Hamas breached the ceasefire both by refusing to advance hostage negotiations and by opening fire on Israeli troops in southern Gaza. The most serious incident involved a deception in which the remains of a slain hostage were planted at a search site and later "discovered" in the presence of Red Cross personnel.
Hamas also announced that it had located two additional deceased hostages, though Israeli officials said that in at least one case, the deceased had already been in the Hamas' possession. Security sources estimate that Hamas is holding least eight deceased hostages for immediate return, and is using them as bargaining chips to delay the implementation of the Trump Plan.
