An Israeli military official confirmed to the BBC that airstrikes were launched in Rafah, southern Gaza, accusing Hamas—designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU—of carrying out attacks that represent a “blatant breach of the ceasefire.”
According to the Israeli army spokesperson, Hamas launched multiple assaults on Israeli forces positioned beyond the “yellow line”, an area to which Israeli troops had withdrawn under the first phase of a U.S.-brokered agreement.
Hamas, however, denied violating the truce and accused Israel of being responsible for the escalation.
Sunday’s strikes mark the most serious test yet of the fragile ceasefire that took effect on October 11.
Residents in Gaza told Reuters they heard explosions and gunfire in Rafah, while witnesses also reported intense tank fire in Abasan, east of Khan Younis, also in southern Gaza.
Eyewitnesses in Khan Younis described waves of airstrikes on Rafah early Sunday afternoon.
According to local health officials in Gaza, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the eastern Jabalia area in northern Gaza.
The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli army launched airstrikes in Rafah following militant attacks on its forces, though it did not specify the source of this information.
Both Israel and Hamas have traded accusations in recent days over breaches of the truce, while Israel announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice.
The Rafah crossing has been largely shut since May 2024. The ceasefire agreement also provides for an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are facing famine, according to the IPC Global Hunger Monitor.
Disputes also persist over the return of deceased hostages’ bodies. Israel has demanded that Hamas hand over all 28 remaining bodies. Hamas has stated that it has already returned 20 live hostages and 12 bodies, claiming it lacks the means and equipment to recover the remaining corpses buried under the rubble.
