Criticism of Israel's Actions in Gaza Grows Among EU Nations

In a setback to the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip killed two police officers, according to Hamas officials. The strike occurred as armed individuals approached Israeli troops in southern Gaza, one day after Hamas released three Israeli hostages as part of a tenuous truce.
The Israeli military confirmed that its air force targeted "several armed individuals," though Hamas claimed the strike was directed at police securing humanitarian aid in Rafah, leaving one officer critically injured. This incident unfolds against the backdrop of a ceasefire that began on January 19, 2025, after over 15 months of intense conflict.
Hamas had previously announced the release of Israeli hostages—two of whom hold dual citizenship—in a series of exchanges aimed at freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions persist, as Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire's terms, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to threaten a resumption of military operations if hostages were not returned. The fragile situation remains highly volatile as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire deal.