Netanyahu says Israel dropped 153 tons of bombs on Gaza during ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disclosed that Israeli military forces deployed 153 tons of bombs against targets in Gaza during a period covered by a ceasefire agreement. The statement during the Knesset's winter session opening effectively constitutes an admission of violating the US-brokered truce that commenced on October 10.

Parliamentary Address and Casualty Reports

Netanyahu faced repeated interruptions from opposition lawmakers during his parliamentary address as he detailed the military action taken after two Israeli soldiers died. The Gaza government media office has documented 80 Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, resulting in 97 Palestinian fatalities and 230 injuries since the truce theoretically began.

Conflicting Ceasefire Narratives

Israeli authorities claimed Hamas initiated attacks against their forces in Rafah, providing justification for their military response. However, the Palestinian group has denied any involvement in hostilities and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire terms. The conflicting accounts highlight the fragility of the truce arrangement in the conflict-ridden territory.

Ceasefire Framework and Broader Context

The ceasefire agreement was established based on a phased approach presented by US President Donald Trump, initially involving hostage-prisoner exchanges and envisioning Gaza's reconstruction under new governance structures excluding Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 68,200 fatalities and 170,200 injuries according to Gaza health officials since hostilities escalated in October 2023.