Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to launch immediate strikes in Gaza, citing a violation of the ceasefire by Hamas. This decision follows the return of remains that Netanyahu claims belonged to an Israeli hostage already recovered by Israeli forces nearly two years ago. In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said, "Following the security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military echelon to carry out powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip immediately." This announcement comes amid heightened tensions after Hamas reportedly opened fire on Israeli troops in southern Gaza. Netanyahu described the return of the remains as a "clear violation" of the ceasefire agreement, which mandates that Hamas return all Israeli hostage remains promptly. The Israeli leader's warning has raised concerns about the stability of the three-week-old truce. Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have urged Netanyahu to take decisive action. Thirteen hostages' bodies are still believed to be in Gaza, and Israel has accused Hamas of deliberately delaying their return. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated, "Hamas will continue to exert every effort possible to hand over the remaining bodies until this issue is fully concluded and as soon as possible." The Red Cross and a technical team from Egypt have joined the search for the remains, utilising excavators and bulldozers with Netanyahu's approval. Israeli forces have previously recovered the remains of 51 hostages from Gaza, and the remains returned by Hamas are said to belong to one of these victims. In a related context, violence continues to escalate in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli authorities reported the killing of three Palestinian militants. The military stated these individuals were involved in "terror activity" in Jenin, and an airstrike later destroyed their hideout. Hamas condemned the strike but did not confirm the identities of the deceased. While Israel claims to be targeting militants, Palestinians and human rights organisations have raised concerns about civilian casualties and the displacement of tens of thousands of people from their homes.