The Israeli military launched an attack on Gaza on Sunday, the Israeli military confirmed following media and residents reports, dimming hopes that a U.S.-mediated ceasefire would lead to lasting peace in the enclave as Israel traded blame with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israel’s attacks on Sunday were the most serious test of an already fragile ceasefire, which took effect on Oct. 11.

The Israeli military said that air force fighter jets carried out airstrikes in Gaza's Rafah area, in the southern Gaza Strip, to remove a threat after "terrorists" opened fire on troops.

It said the militants' actions blatantly "violated" the ceasefire agreement, adding that the military would respond firmly.

Palestinians in Gaza told Reuters they heard explosions and gunfire in Rafah, an

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