Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday ordered the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to launch “immediate and powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip” following what Israel described as repeated ceasefire violations by Hamas. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu gave the directive after convening a meeting to discuss Israel’s response to the alleged breaches. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructs the IDF to carry out immediate and powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip,” the statement read. The move came shortly after Israeli forces were attacked in the southern Gaza region, officials said. The escalation also follows growing anger in Israel after what authorities claimed were further Hamas violations related to the return of hostages’ bodies.

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