Israeli Airstrikes Shatter Fragile Truce, Gaza Aid Halted
Key Takeaways:
- Israeli airstrikes kill at least 13 in Rafah after alleged truce violations
- Humanitarian aid into Gaza suspended indefinitely
- Nine-day US-brokered ceasefire at risk of collapse
- Both sides exchange blame for renewed violence
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed on Sunday as Israeli airstrikes hit Hamas targets in Rafah, killing at least 13 people. The violence erupted just nine days after a US-brokered truce began, with both sides accusing each other of violations that prompted Israel to halt all humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza.
Military Action and Civilian Casualties
The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed conducting airstrikes and artillery fire in southern Gaza’s Rafah region, claiming troops came under attack earlier. “In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today, the IDF has begun a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip,” the military stated.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 13 fatalities from the latest attacks. The Israeli military acknowledged it was verifying reports of civilian casualties.
Aid Shipments Suspended
Israel closed all crossing points for humanitarian aid convoys into Gaza, blaming Hamas for breaking the truce. A security official told AFP: “The transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip has been halted until further notice, following Hamas’s blatant violation of the agreement.”
Exchange of Accusations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strong military response, vowing “terrorist targets will be hit hard.” Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas would “pay a heavy price” for every breach.
Hamas political bureau member Izzat Al-Rishq countered, accusing Israel of “fabricating flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes” while reaffirming the group’s commitment to the ceasefire. Hamas’s armed wing claimed no knowledge of any clashes in Rafah.
Hostage Negotiations Stalled
The renewed violence threatens delicate hostage negotiations. Under the original agreement, Hamas released 20 surviving hostages and returned several bodies. On Sunday, Israel received the remains of Israeli photojournalist Ronen Engel and Thai farmworker Sonthaya Oakkharasri, both killed in October 7 attacks.
Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, bringing the total to 150. However, talks have slowed significantly, particularly regarding additional remains. The critical Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed, blocking humanitarian aid. Netanyahu’s office stated the crossing will only reopen if Hamas fully respects the ceasefire and completes hostage and remains returns.
Hamas had previously warned that closing the Rafah crossing would cause “significant delays in the retrieval and transfer of remains.”
