Israel Strikes Gaza After Alleged Hamas Attack, Ceasefire Tested

Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Gaza on Sunday, claiming its troops were fired upon by Hamas militants. This incident marks a significant test for the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which aims to halt over two years of conflict. According to the Israeli military, the attacks included the use of a rocket-propelled grenade by militants, prompting a swift response involving airstrikes and artillery.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions with security officials, directing the military to take strong action against any ceasefire violations. While he emphasized a firm stance, he did not explicitly threaten a return to full-scale conflict. The military reported that the clashes occurred in areas of Rafah considered under Israeli control as per the ceasefire agreement. No injuries have been reported from these encounters.

In a separate series of strikes, Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians in central Gaza, as confirmed by health officials. One strike reportedly hit a makeshift coffeehouse in the town of Zawaida, while another targeted a tent near the Al-Ahly soccer club in the Nuseirat refugee camp, resulting in two fatalities and injuring eight others. A third incident in the Muwasi area of Khan Younis claimed at least one life.

The Israeli military indicated that there were three incidents on Sunday, with two occurring in southern Gaza and one in the north. They provided updates, stating that the situation remains fluid.

On the humanitarian front, the Israeli government identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas, both believed to have died during the initial Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The victims were identified as Ronen Engel, a father of three, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker. Engel’s family had previously been affected by the conflict when his wife and two children were kidnapped but later released during a ceasefire in November 2023.

Hamas has recently returned the remains of twelve hostages. Its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, announced that it had located a body of another hostage, which it intends to return, depending on the prevailing conditions in the field. The group cautioned that any escalation from Israel would hinder ongoing search efforts.

Regarding the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, Israel announced it would remain closed “until further notice.” The reopening will hinge on Hamas’s compliance with its ceasefire obligations, particularly concerning the return of the remains of all 28 deceased hostages. Hamas asserts that Israeli military actions and the destruction in Gaza have complicated the handover process.

In a reciprocal gesture, Israel has released 150 bodies of Palestinians back to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday. The Gaza Health Ministry has struggled to identify these remains, as many are in poor condition. Only 25 bodies have been officially identified, leading to a desperate search for missing persons among families.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering toll, with over 68,000 Palestinians reported dead, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. This figure has been deemed reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, although Israel disputes the count without providing alternative figures.

In the broader context of the ceasefire negotiations, Hamas announced that discussions for the second phase of ceasefire talks have commenced. These negotiations are expected to address disarmament of Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, and the future governance of Gaza. Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem emphasized the need for national consensus in these discussions, without detailing the specific terms.

As the ceasefire negotiations progress, the humanitarian crisis remains critical. A fully operational Rafah crossing is vital for Palestinians in need of medical treatment or the opportunity to visit family in Egypt. The Palestinian Authority’s Interior Ministry has outlined procedures for those wishing to transit through Rafah, facilitating the issuance of temporary travel documents by embassy staff.

The situation continues to evolve, with both humanitarian and security concerns at the forefront of discussions between parties involved.