Israel Strikes After Alleged Hamas Staging

The IDF released drone footage it says shows Hamas operatives burying a body bag and then staging its discovery before ICRC personnel in Gaza. Israeli forensic testing identified the remains as Ofir Tzarfati, whose body Israeli authorities say had already been returned to and buried in Israel in 2023, meaning the handover did not include any of the roughly 13 deceased hostages still sought under the U.S.-brokered truce. Israel called the episode a violation of the ceasefire return agreement and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes; the IDF reported strikes on dozens of Hamas targets and Gaza authorities reported civilian casualties. Hamas denied the allegations, accusing Israel of fabricating pretexts, while the ICRC said its staff were unaware the body had been placed before their arrival and condemned politicizing returns. The incident has heightened tensions as Israel presses for the remaining bodies and explores military and diplomatic options, with regional coordination — including possible Egyptian involvement in enforcing the ceasefire and border security — under discussion.