An explosive device detonated in Gaza on Wednesday, injuring one Israeli soldier and prompting Israel to accuse Hamas of violating the U.S.-backed ceasefire. The incident marks the latest threat to the fragile truce that has largely held since Oct. 10, with both sides trading accusations of violations.
Israel Accuses Hamas of Ceasefire Violation
Israel’s military stated the explosive detonated under a military vehicle while soldiers were “dismantling” militant infrastructure in the southern city of Rafah. The soldier sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at a hospital, according to the military.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement calling the incident a ceasefire violation and vowed that Israel would “respond accordingly.” Israel has previously conducted strikes in Gaza in response to alleged breaches of the ceasefire. On Oct. 19, Israel reported two soldiers were killed by Hamas fire, leading to a series of strikes that Palestinian health officials said resulted in over 40 Palestinian deaths.
Hamas and Turkey Discuss Ceasefire’s Second Phase
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Haya in Ankara to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire, according to ministry officials. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to defending Palestinian rights and outlined ongoing efforts to address humanitarian needs in Gaza.
The Hamas delegation asserted they had fulfilled the conditions of the ceasefire but that continued Israeli attacks were hindering progress toward the next stage. They also claimed that 60% of the trucks permitted into Gaza were carrying commercial goods rather than aid.
Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire by restricting the flow of aid into the territory and continuing to strike civilians. Palestinian health officials report over 370 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce began.
On Friday, Israeli troops reportedly fired across the ceasefire line in northern Gaza, killing at least five Palestinians, including a baby, according to a local hospital.
All but one of the 251 hostages taken in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war have been released, alive or dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The ceasefire’s second phase presents significant challenges, including the deployment of an international stabilization force, a technocratic governing body for Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and further Israeli troop withdrawals from the territory.
The meeting in Turkey also addressed reconciliation efforts between Palestinian factions and the situation in the West Bank, with officials stressing that Israel’s actions there were “unacceptable.”
Find more of AP’s Israel-Hamas coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
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