JERUSALEM, 20 October (H.S.): A fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was severely tested on Sunday as Israel accused Hamas of violating the agreement by attacking its soldiers, prompting retaliatory airstrikes that resulted in casualties on both sides.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its troops came under fire from Hamas militants in the Rafah area of southern Gaza, leading to the deaths of two Israeli soldiers.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to take strong action, and the IDF launched a massive and extensive wave of air and artillery strikes against what it called terrorist targets across the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials also announced the suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries into the territory until further notice. Palestinian hospital sources reported that the Israeli strikes killed dozens of people, including civilians at a school being used as a shelter.

Hamas has denied the Israeli accusations, with its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, stating it was unaware of any incidents or confrontations in the Rafah area.

The group reiterated its full commitment to the ceasefire and claimed it had lost contact with its remaining fighters in that region since March. The conflicting claims mark the most significant challenge to the U.S.-brokered truce, which had brought a lull in the 745-day war.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar