Israeli Security Minister Ben Gvir Demands Resumption of War in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Breaches

Israel’s National Security Minister, Ben Gvir, has called for a return to full military operations in Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement established earlier this month.

Background: Ceasefire and Alleged Violations

Under the ceasefire brokered in early October as part of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, hostilities were meant to pause, with conditions including the release of Israeli hostages and prisoner exchanges.

However, on Sunday, militants in the Gaza Strip’s southern city of Rafah reportedly fired an anti-tank missile and opened fire on Israeli troops stationed there. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of airstrikes targeting what they identified as terror sites.

Ben Gvir’s Call to Renew Fighting

In a statement, Ben Gvir urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to order the IDF to “renew full-scale fighting in the Strip at full strength.” He expressed skepticism towards Hamas’s intentions and commitment, describing the group as a “Nazi terrorist organization” that must be “destroyed completely and the sooner the better.”

Latest Developments and Responses

Following the escalation, Prime Minister Netanyahu directed the IDF to take “firm action against terror targets in the Gaza Strip,” though it was unclear if this directive meant a complete military escalation.

Hamas’s senior official, Izzat al-Risheq, denied involvement in the Rafa incident and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire. The military wing of Hamas stated it had lost control over factions in that region since March and accused Israel of violating the agreement “to seek excuses for its crimes.”

Context and Ongoing Tensions

The ceasefire, which began on October 10, has been fragile with recurrent accusations from both sides. Israel has expressed that Hamas failed to fully comply with hostages and remains’ returns, while Hamas accuses Israel of continued aggression and occupation controls.

Summary

• Israeli Security Minister Ben Gvir demands the resumption of war in Gaza after ceasefire violations in southern Gaza.

• The IDF responded to attacks on troops in Rafah with airstrikes on terror targets.

• Hamas denies responsibility for recent incidents and claims commitment to the ceasefire.

• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered firm military action, though full war resumption is not confirmed.

• The ceasefire remains fragile with ongoing mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas.