An Israeli military official told Reuters Hamas violated the ceasefire with an attack against Israeli forces in an area under Israeli control.

Hamas denies it was behind an attack on Israeli forces inside an area of Gaza under their control and condemns the strikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his military to carry out “immediate and powerful strikes” in Gaza on Tuesday after Hamas allegedly attacked IDF troops. Israeli troops stationed in the southern city of Rafah were attacked by Hamas gunmen operating in the area early Tuesday,

Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet has called for harsh measures in response, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urging the re-arrest of Palestinians released in exchanges “in response to Hamas’s repeated and ongoing violations”. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the correct response was to “destroy [Hamas] completely”.

Military and Middle East experts say a new Gaza rebuilding plan focused on creating secure enclaves, restoring stability and cutting off Hamas terrorists could succeed in the long term.