BREAKING From: LIVE: Netanyahu orders immediate, large-scale strikes on Gaza

Israel vows Hamas will ‘pay a heavy price’ after alleged attack

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has warned that Hamas will “pay a heavy price” after what he described as an attack by the group’s fighters on Israeli troops during an ongoing ceasefire in Gaza.

“Hamas will pay a heavy price for attacking soldiers in Gaza and for violating the agreement to return the bodies of the hostages,” Katz said in a statement issued by his office. He added that the alleged assault marked “a crossing of a bright red line” and that Israel’s military would respond “with great force”.

The statement came as Israeli forces launched a new wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order earlier in the day for the military to carry out intense operations. Gaza’s civil defence agency said at least three air strikes had hit Gaza City, describing the bombardment as a “wave” of attacks.

Reports from the ground indicated that one of the targets was an area near al-Shifa Hospital, the largest still-functioning medical facility in northern Gaza. Tanks were also heard firing in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, where Israeli troops are positioned.

There has been no immediate response from the Israeli military regarding the scope or targets of the latest strikes.

Earlier in the evening, residents in Jerusalem reported hearing the sound of fighter jets flying overhead, minutes before Netanyahu’s office announced the order for “powerful” strikes on Gaza.

Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire brokered by the United States. Observers say the coming hours will test whether the truce can withstand the mounting pressure as international mediators urge restraint.

 

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