Israeli Forces Respond to Ceasefire Violations in Gaza
Israeli military forces conducted strikes in southern Gaza on Sunday, reacting to rocket-propelled grenades launched at soldiers, which put a fragile ceasefire to the test that had paused over two years of conflict.
The Israeli military reported that Hamas fighters targeted troops in Rafah, leading to airstrikes and artillery responses. Fortunately, no injuries were noted, though Hamas denied involvement in the attack, as stated by the Associated Press.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions with security advisors and directed the military to take “strong action” regarding any violations of the ceasefire, although he refrained from threatening a complete resumption of military operations.
This escalation followed the confirmation from Israel regarding the recovery of two hostages previously released by Hamas. According to Netanyahu’s office, the individuals were Ronen Engel, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sontaya Oukkarasri, a Thai farmer from Kibbutz Beiri. Both had died during the attack on October 7, 2023.
Israel has warned that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed “until further notice.” Netanyahu’s office stated that any reopening is contingent on Hamas returning all remains of the 28 deceased hostages, as reported by the Associated Press.
In the past week, Hamas has returned 13 bodies, with Israel identifying 12 as belonging to hostages. Israel noted that one returned body was not from a hostage.
The ceasefire agreement facilitated the exchange of 20 living hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Israel transferred 150 Palestinian bodies into Gaza, including 15 on Sunday.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem indicated that discussions have begun regarding a second phase of the ceasefire, which would involve disarming Hamas, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and planning future governance.
Meanwhile, the State Department announced on Saturday that it had received information about anticipated Hamas attacks against Gaza residents. In response, Hamas dismissed these allegations as “false” and accused Israel of backing militant entities in regions under its control.
