The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas suffered its first major setback on Sunday as both sides exchanged fire and traded accusations of breaking the truce.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed carrying out airstrikes across Gaza, saying it targeted dozens of Hamas sites following what it described as a serious violation of the ceasefire by the militant group earlier in the day. According to Israeli officials, the strikes hit weapons storage facilities, firing positions, and several kilometers of underground tunnels used by Hamas. Two Israeli soldiers were reported killed in an attack near Rafah.
Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of multiple ceasefire violations and claimed its communication with remaining units in Rafah had been severed for months, suggesting it had limited control over any actions from that area. The group maintained that it was not responsible for the incidents that triggered the escalation.
The renewed violence marked the first major breach since the ceasefire agreement was reached earlier this month following months of negotiations mediated by regional partners. The truce had been seen as a potential turning point after years of recurring conflict, aiming to halt hostilities, reopen border crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israel announced that after a series of retaliatory strikes, it had resumed enforcement of the ceasefire in accordance with the agreement’s terms. Officials said aid deliveries into Gaza, which were temporarily halted during the clashes, would resume on Monday.
Source: The Hill