Israel launched a series of airstrikes and tank assaults on Gaza on Sunday, responding to attacks on its forces in what has become the most serious challenge to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreed upon earlier this month. Israeli military sources said that Hamas militants in Rafah, a southern Gaza town, fired an anti-tank missile and attacked Israeli soldiers, prompting retaliation.
Local authorities in Gaza reported at least 18 deaths, including one woman, as a result of the Israeli strikes. The violence marks a significant escalation in the fragile ceasefire, which had only been in effect since October 11, following nearly two years of conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the response as a forceful retaliation against what he called Hamas’ violations of the truce.
However, Hamas claimed that it was still committed to the ceasefire and was unaware of any clashes in Rafah, asserting that it had not been in contact with groups in the area since March. The ongoing dispute over ceasefire violations is putting pressure on the truce, with some Palestinians fearing its collapse. In the wake of the airstrikes, residents in Gaza have rushed to buy goods and evacuate their homes, particularly in Khan Younis.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized that the “yellow line,” which marks the area where Israeli forces had pulled back under the ceasefire agreement, would be physically marked. He warned that any violation or attempt to cross this line would be met with force.
The Rafah border crossing, which had been expected to reopen on Sunday to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, remains closed. Israel’s position is that the crossing will not open until Hamas fulfills its obligations, including the return of bodies of deceased hostages. While Hamas released 20 living hostages earlier this month and returned 12 deceased captives, the dispute continues over the bodies of the remaining hostages.
The ceasefire deal also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, which remains in desperate need, especially as the UN reports significant food shortages affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the enclave.
As the situation unfolds, key issues regarding Hamas’ disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, and the broader political landscape, including the potential for Palestinian statehood, remain unresolved.
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