Israeli warplanes pounded targets across Gaza late Tuesday after Israel accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement, in the most serious flare-up since a U.S.-brokered truce took effect earlier this month.

Local health authorities said at least 26 people were killed, including civilians in Bureij, Gaza City, and Khan Younis, as strikes continued into early Wednesday. Witnesses reported explosions near Shifa hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, which was also damaged.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful attacks,” his office said, after accusing Hamas of “blatantly violating” the October 10 ceasefire. An Israeli military official alleged that militants opened fire on Israeli troops in an area under Israeli control, prompting the air raids.

Hamas denied responsibility, insisting it remained committed to the truce and blaming Israel for escalating tensions. The group’s armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, later said it had recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Ceasefire Under Strain

The fragile truce halted two years of war that began with Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023 assault on Israel. Under the deal, Hamas released all living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, while Israel pulled back its troops.

But disputes over the handover of deceased hostages’ remains have strained the ceasefire. Netanyahu on Tuesday accused Hamas of returning “wrong remains,” while Hamas said it would delay further transfers, citing “Israeli violations.”

U.S. Response and Ongoing Search

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in Washington that “the ceasefire is holding,” despite what he called “small skirmishes.” The White House did not confirm whether Israel notified Washington before launching the latest strikes.

In southern Gaza, Hamas fighters and Egyptian crews used heavy machinery to dig near Khan Younis and Nuseirat, searching for hostages’ remains believed to be trapped in tunnel networks.

Gaza’s health authorities say more than 68,000 people have been killed in Israeli operations since the start of the conflict, with thousands still missing. Israel’s 2023 war began after Hamas-led fighters stormed southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

As the fragile peace falters once again, both sides accuse the other of endangering what U.S. President Donald Trump has touted as one of his administration’s signature diplomatic achievements.