Aid is beginning to flow into the Gaza Strip as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect. Many Palestinians are returning to their homes to assess the damage from the two-year conflict. However, tensions remain high as Israel accuses Hamas of violating the ceasefire by withholding the bodies of deceased hostages believed to have died during or after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Hamas has stated that the return of these bodies "may take some time" due to the ongoing destruction in the area.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning after Hamas-linked gunmen reportedly executed individuals in Gaza. He stated, "If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them," later clarifying that U.S. troops would not be involved.

In response to the escalating situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed defense and security officials to take decisive action against terrorist targets in Gaza. A statement from his office indicated that following accusations of ceasefire violations by Hamas, Netanyahu consulted with the Minister of Defense and security leaders. The statement noted, "Following Hamas's violation of the ceasefire, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a consultation with the Minister of Defense and the heads of the security establishment and instructed them to act forcefully against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and opened fire on IDF troops in the Rafah area, which prompted a military response. The IDF stated, "In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity. These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly."

Israeli officials also confirmed the return of a second set of remains from Hamas, identified as Suntaya Akrasi, a Thai citizen killed during the October 7 attack. The IDF reported that Akrasi, 30, was abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri, and his death was confirmed on May 16, 2024. To date, Hamas has returned 12 of the 28 sets of remains it held when the ceasefire began.

An Israeli military official accused Hamas of conducting multiple attacks against Israeli forces, describing these actions as a "bold violation" of the ceasefire. The official stated, "The terror organization Hamas carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces beyond the yellow line," which included an RPG shot and sniper fire directed at military personnel in an Israeli-controlled area.

As the situation develops, both sides continue to exchange accusations regarding violations of the ceasefire, raising concerns about the stability of the agreement and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.