JERUSALEM
The Israeli military launched a series of attacks on Gaza on Sunday, according to Israeli media and local residents, shattering hopes that the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire would hold and reigniting tensions with Hamas.
Residents in southern Gaza reported hearing heavy explosions and gunfire in Rafah, while witnesses in Khan Younis described airstrikes and tank shelling in nearby Abassan. Gaza’s health authorities confirmed that two Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on Jabalia in northern Gaza. The Israeli military has yet to officially comment on the reported strikes.
The Times of Israel said the attacks followed militant operations targeting Israeli forces in Rafah, though it cited no source. An Israeli military official accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire with multiple assaults, including sniper and grenade attacks, calling them “bold violations.”
In response, Hamas official Izzat Al Risheq insisted the group remained committed to the truce and accused Israel of repeatedly breaching it. Gaza’s media office reported 47 ceasefire violations since the October 11 agreement, with 38 people killed and 143 injured.
Meanwhile, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed, Israeli authorities said, citing ongoing security concerns. Rafah has been largely shut since May 2024.
Disputes also continue over the return of hostages’ bodies. Israel has demanded Hamas hand over the remains of 28 hostages, while Hamas claims some are buried under rubble.
Renewed fighting and uncertainty over the ceasefire dragged Tel Aviv’s key share indices down nearly 2% on Sunday.
