Israeli forces have launched air strikes on southern Gaza, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This action follows what Israel describes as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire by Hamas. The air strikes targeted Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, after exchanges of fire between the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Hamas militants. An Israeli military official stated that Hamas had conducted multiple attacks against Israeli troops, including a rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire, which they deemed a clear breach of the ceasefire. Reports from both The Times of Israel and Israeli public broadcaster Kan confirmed that the Israeli air force was actively engaging in Rafah due to these violations. In response, a senior Hamas official asserted that the group remains “committed to the ceasefire agreement.” However, neither side has officially acknowledged the air strikes. This escalation comes after the US State Department issued warnings of “credible reports” suggesting that Hamas would soon violate the ceasefire, a claim the group has denied. The renewed air strikes represent a serious challenge to the fragile ceasefire, which was brokered by the US and came into effect on 10 October. The ceasefire has faced numerous setbacks, with Hamas having returned 20 living hostages taken on 7 October but only 12 of the 28 deceased hostages. In exchange, Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and facilitate aid deliveries into Gaza. Local health authorities in Gaza reported that two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Jabalia area, while witnesses in Khan Younis described hearing heavy gunfire and explosions. The IDF reported that several militants were identified exiting a tunnel shaft in Khan Younis, posing an imminent threat to Israeli troops, which led to their targeting. In a separate incident in Tubas, West Bank, an explosive device was thrown at Israeli soldiers, resulting in injuries to two IDF personnel who were subsequently evacuated for medical treatment. The ceasefire deal has been marred by accusations from both Israel and Hamas of violations. The government media office in Gaza claimed that Israel had committed 47 violations since the ceasefire began, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries. As tensions rise, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains closed until further notice, further complicating the humanitarian situation in the region. The ceasefire agreement also aims to increase aid to Gaza, where many are facing severe food shortages. The ongoing conflict continues to pose significant challenges to achieving lasting peace, with key issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the governance of Gaza still unresolved.