DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the army to carry out “powerful strikes” in Gaza. This decision comes after an Israeli official reported that Hamas fired on Israeli forces in southern Gaza. Hamas has delayed handing over another hostage’s body in response to Israel’s planned strikes. On Monday, the Palestinian militant group handed over body parts that Israel identified as the remains of a hostage recovered earlier in the war, which Netanyahu called a violation of the ceasefire. The ceasefire, which began on Oct. 10, has been fragile, with previous flare-ups. The situation remains tense, with ongoing challenges to the ceasefire. Associated Press reporters heard tank fire and saw explosions in various parts of Gaza, including in Gaza City and Deir al-Balah.
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