Following security consultations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to carry out immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.

The directive comes after an incident in Rafah earlier today in which terrorists opened fire on IDF forces. At least one soldier was seriously wounded in the attack and evacuated for medical treatment.

The escalation follows mounting tensions over the handling of hostages’ remains. Last night Hamas returned remains that Israel says were already buried, yet claimed they were a newly recovered body — fueling Israeli outrage and contributing to today’s security response.

Meanwhile, the Qassam Brigades claimed on Tuesday that they had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage during operations inside a tunnel in southern Gaza.

The terror group said the planned transfer of the body has been delayed, blaming what it called “Israeli violations,” and warned that additional Israeli military activity could hinder their search efforts and delay the return of more remains.

More details to follow as the situation develops.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)