ISRAEL STRIKES GAZA AND HALTS AID AFTER ACCUSING HAMAS OF CEASEFIRE VIOLATION

Israel has carried out several strikes on Gaza and ordered a halt to humanitarian aid after accusing Hamas of violating a US-brokered ceasefire.

The truce, which ended months of fighting, is in its second week and has seen previous accusations from both sides of violations, but is now facing its most serious test yet.

An Israeli military official said Hamas attacked Israeli forces in Rafah in southern Gaza with rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, prompting Israel to carry out strikes in the area.

Hamas has denied knowledge of any clashes in Rafah and said it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a halt in aid until further notice, and Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed military chiefs to “act forcefully” against “terrorist targets” in Gaza.

“Hamas will pay a heavy price for every shooting and violation of the ceasefire, and if the message is not understood, the intensity of our responses will continue to increase,” Katz said.

At least eight people were killed in Israeli strikes in several parts of Gaza, according to hospitals and witnesses.

The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with internal clashes between Hamas and rival groups, including an apparent public execution of eight people in Gaza City.