In response to a reported attack on Israeli troops in the southern Gaza Strip, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the immediate resumption of military operations against Hamas. In a post shared on X, Ben-Gvir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to direct the Israeli military to “fully and with full force resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip.”
Ben-Gvir expressed his belief that the current ceasefire, which has been in place since October 10, is jeopardizing national security. He characterized the notion that Hamas would alter its position or adhere to agreements as “deceptive” and inherently dangerous. “The Nazi terrorist organization must be completely destroyed,” he stated, emphasizing that a swift military response is essential.
Reports from Israeli media indicate that Hamas launched an attack on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) personnel using a rocket-propelled grenade. In addition, a sniper from the Palestinian militia reportedly targeted an Israeli unit. In light of these incidents, the Israeli military has condemned the attack as a “gross violation of the ceasefire.”
Following the attack, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on targets in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. The military actions underscore the increasing tensions in the region, despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Ben-Gvir has been critical of the ceasefire from the start, having voted against the agreement. His calls for renewed military engagement signal a significant shift in rhetoric, reflecting a growing impatience among certain political factions in Israel regarding the current state of affairs with Hamas.
The situation remains fluid, with multiple incidents of violence raising concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire. The Israeli military is expected to assess the situation further and determine the appropriate course of action in response to these provocations.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian situation remains precarious.
