Israel military is accusing the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas of “violating” its current cease-fire agreement following a series of explosions and gunfire in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said “Over the last hour, 3 explosive devices were detonated adjacent to IDF troops in 2 different locations in northern Gaza, violating the framework of the operational pause.
“In one of the locations, terrorists also opened fire at the troops, who responded with fire. A number of soldiers were lightly injured during the incidents,” it added. “IDF troops were located in positions as per the framework of the operational pause.”
The developments come as Hamas is expected to release 10 additional Israeli hostages at some point today during the first day of an extended cease-fire agreement.
The deal first went into effect on Friday. Until now, there has been no activity inside the Gaza Strip between Israel’s military and Hamas.
Hamas released a statement saying it remains committed to the terms of the cease-fire and it in turn accused Israel of violations.
“As a result of a clear violation by the enemy of the truce agreement in the northern Gaza Strip today, field friction occurred and our mujahideen dealt with this violation. We are committed to the truce as long as the enemy has committed to it, and we call on the mediators to pressure the occupation to adhere to all the terms of the truce on the ground and in the air,” Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades wrote in a statement.
Both parties say the other instigated a fire-fight that took place at the site of one of the detonations. Neither party has indicated plans to call off the cease-fire, however.
