The Israeli military conducted air strikes and artillery fire in southern Gaza on Sunday, raising doubts about a potential U. S.-mediated ceasefire that had begun on October 11. Israel claims the strikes were a response to Hamas militants who had attacked Israeli soldiers in Rafah, destroying tunnels and military structures. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel would respond strongly to any attacks from Hamas.
Hamas, through its armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades, insisted it was committed to the ceasefire and claimed not to be aware of any fighting in Rafah, stating it had not communicated with local groups since March. However, Palestinian witnesses reported explosions and gunfire in various locations, including Rafah and Khan Younis, resulting in at least five deaths, according to health officials.
Gaza’s health ministry reported that Israeli attacks had killed at least eight people in the previous 24 hours. An Israeli military official highlighted previous attacks from Hamas, including a rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire directed at Israeli forces. Defense Minister Israel Katz noted that any breaches of the ceasefire would be met with military force, and he announced plans to mark a “yellow line” to indicate where Israeli troops had withdrawn under the ceasefire agreement.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The Gaza government media office reported that Israel had committed 47 violations since the ceasefire began, resulting in numerous casualties. The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains closed, hindering humanitarian aid amidst concerns of famine affecting many in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel and Hamas are in disagreement over the return of deceased hostages. Israel demands the return of all 28 bodies, while Hamas claims to be unable to recover some due to the rubble. Significant issues surrounding Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, and the establishment of a Palestinian state remain unresolved, complicating efforts for lasting peace. Renewed conflict has caused a drop of nearly 2% in key Tel Aviv share indices.
With information from Reuters