Israel has announced the resumption of enforcing the ceasefire following an alleged breach by Hamas. The Israeli military reported the death of two soldiers and injuries to three others in Rafah this morning. The region falls under IDF jurisdiction as part of the ceasefire pact with Hamas.
Accusing Hamas of a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has halted humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza and conducted a series of airstrikes. The IDF confirmed a large-scale attack in southern Gaza, attributing it to Hamas firing an anti-tank missile and gunfire at IDF troops in Rafah.
In response, the IDF targeted the area to neutralize the threat, including dismantling tunnel shafts and military installations. Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of fabricating pretexts to justify its actions, claiming a breach of the agreement.
Gaza’s fragile ceasefire faced a significant challenge as Israeli forces launched lethal strikes, citing Hamas militants’ killing of two soldiers. Aid deliveries to Gaza were temporarily suspended, but are set to resume on Monday. Meanwhile, clashes at Bloomfield Stadium led to the cancellation of the derby between Hapoel and Maccabi, resulting in arrests and injuries.
In a separate development, ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered outside the Israeli consulate in New York City to protest against the government’s decision to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the military. The longstanding exemption from military service has been a contentious issue in Israel.
US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are scheduled to arrive in Israel to discuss further steps in the Gaza ceasefire. The officials will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance Washington’s ceasefire framework. Palestinian officials claim at least 45 people have died in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, as both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
As tensions escalate, Palestinians fear a return to war in Gaza amid ongoing attacks. The situation remains volatile, with both sides exchanging accusations and engaging in violent incidents. Israel’s defense minister issued a stern warning to Hamas, emphasizing a robust response to any ceasefire violations.
The conflict continues to claim lives on both sides, with casualties reported in Gaza and Israeli forces facing attacks. The fragile truce is under strain, highlighting the challenges in maintaining peace in the region. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to defuse tensions and uphold the ceasefire agreement.