Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he had ordered the military to "carry out powerful attacks" in Gaza after accusing the militant group Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory.

A statement by Mr Netanyahu's office did not specify the reason for the planned attacks. However, an Israeli military official said Hamas violated the ceasefire by carrying out an attack against Israeli forces in an area under Israeli control.

"This is yet another blatant violation of the ceasefire," the official said.

Mr Netanyahu earlier accused Hamas of violating the agreement by turning over the wrong remains in a process of returning the bodies of hostages to Israel.

Hamas initially said in response to this that it would hand over to Israel on Tuesday th

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