Israel’s military said it had begun resuming ceasefire enforcement in Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating the deal, signaling an end to retaliatory strikes that followed attacks on its forces earlier on Sunday.
“In accordance with the directive of the political benchmark and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas violations, the IDF has begun renewed ceasefire enforcement,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. “The IDF will continue to abide by the ceasefire agreement and will respond decisively to any violation of it.”
Deaths in southern Gaza
Gaza’s Civil Defense Agency reported at least 33 dead across the territory as a result of Israeli airstrikes, updating an earlier toll of 21. Israel’s military said it hit dozens of Hamas targets, including tunnels and command posts, after troops came under fire in southern Gaza.
Major Yaniv Kula, 26, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21, were the first Israeli casualties since the ceasefire came into force on 10 October. The IDF confirmed that the two soldiers “fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip”.
“The yellow line will be physically marked. Any violation or attempt to cross it will be punished by fire,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned.
Aid suspended due to tension
Israeli authorities have halted aid movements to Gaza “until further notice” after a reported ceasefire violation, a security official said. The Rafah crossing with Egypt, which was previously expected to reopen, remains closed indefinitely.
Hamas denies violations, blames Israel
Hamas rejected claims of ceasefire violations in Rafah and insisted it remained committed to the ceasefire.
“It appears that the occupation continues to violate the agreement and invent flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes,” Hamas official Ezzat al-Risheq said on Telegram. The group’s armed wing added that it was “not aware of any incidents or clashes in Rafah” and reaffirmed its commitment to “everything that was agreed upon, including a ceasefire in all areas in Gaza”.
Hamas announced it had found the body of another Israeli hostage, which it intends to hand over “if field conditions permit,” warning that continued Israeli strikes could prevent such moves.
They follow the situation in the US sparingly
The US State Department warned late on Saturday of “credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas”, prompting US officials to warn that measures would be taken to protect civilians and maintain the ceasefire.
Hamas rejected the allegations, calling them “false and linked to misleading Israeli propaganda” and accused Israel of orchestrating the violence in Gaza and undermining security.
Fragile truce threatened
The nine-day-old ceasefire faces its first major test as both sides accuse each other of violations. Israel insists its actions only target militants who attacked its troops, while Hamas says Israel is deliberately escalating.
