The IDF has called the action a response to what it claims were ceasefire violation by Hamas

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of large-scale strikes across Gaza on Sunday, claiming its actions were a response to a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire by Hamas. The Palestinian militant group has denied the allegations, insisting it did not break the truce.

The IDF said it had struck "dozens of Hamas terror targets across Gaza," including "weapons storage facilities, firing posts, terrorist cells and additional Hamas terror infrastructure." The strikes were prompted by an alleged attack on Israeli troops operating in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

"In addition, the IDF struck and dismantled ~6 km of underground terrorist infrastructure, used to advance attacks against Israel, using over 120 munitions," the Israeli military said.

Shortly after that, the IDF said the country's government had opted to renew the "enforcement of ceasefire." The announcement came amid media reports that the renewed hostility angered Washington, which pressured Israel with demands to stop the strikes.

"In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas' violations, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire, in line with the terms of the agreement. The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it," it said in a statement.

Hamas has strongly denied violating the ceasefire, accusing Israel of breaking it in the first place and "seeking excuses for its crimes." The group's military wing said it was not involved in the Rafah incident, stating it has long lost its ties to local factions.

"We have no information about any incidents or clashes in Rafah, which is under [Israeli] occupation control," Hamas said in a statement.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in early October under US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan. While the two sides have repeatedly accused each other of failing to fulfill their commitments and breaching the truce, the incident on Sunday was the first major flare-up since the agreement was brokered. According to local health authorities, Israeli strikes killed at least 44 across Gaza, a tally that is expected to climb further.

(RT.com)