The Israeli army accused Palestinian militants of attacking soldiers in Rafah with anti-tank grenade launchers and sniper fire. The military described this as "a clear violation of the ceasefire" and immediately carried out raids and artillery shelling to "eliminate the threat".
During the strikes, respective tunnels and buildings utilized by terrorists were destroyed, as reported by the Israeli army. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for consultations with the commanders and ordered "to take decisive action against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip".
Defense Minister Israel Kac assured that "Hamas will pay a advanced price for each shooting and any breach of the truce, and if he does not realize this message, the reactions will be more intense". The informing came during a gathering with the Prime Minister and military commanders.
Hamas denies the charges
A high-ranking Hamas typical Izzat al-Riszek issued a message stressing that the group is inactive respecting the truce. He accused Israel of "continuous violations of ceasefire and seeking justification for their crimes".
The armed wing of Hamas, the Al-Kasama Brigade, has announced that it has nothing to do with the clashes in Rafah and does not know about them. The group added that it had long lost contact with the militants operating there and is "fully committed to keeping the truce."
Israeli media, citing sources close to Hamas, reported that the group was behind the attacks at Rafah, but its mark was the militia of Jaser Abu Shabbab. This is simply a Palestinian militia conflicting with Hamas, with the support of Israel.
Attacks on the full Gaza Strip
According to military sources, the Israeli military attacked more than 20 targets, as reported by the Times of Israel portal. Palestinian media reported that the air force besides raided the central and northern parts of the Gaza Strip.
At least 7 people were killed, many were injured, and Al-Jazira station reported. There are no reports of Israeli military strikes.
Politicians call for a hard answer
The utmost right-wing national safety minister Itamar Ben Gwir urged Netanyahu to resume the war. It was supported by Minister Becall Smotricz - both opposed the introduction of a truce and called for the full demolition of Hamas.
Leader of the opposition formation Our home of Israel Awigdor Lieberman demanded a hard consequence to Hamas' actions. The president of the centre-right blue-white Beni Ganc stated that Israel should be prepared for any possible reactions, including the resumption of the fighting.
The truce has been going on since January
The first phase of the truce entered into force on 19 January under the patronage of U.S. president Donald Trump. The fighting was halted and Israeli troops withdrew to a fixed line and now control about half of the Gaza Strip.
An exchange of 20 last surviving Israeli hostages was made for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The issue remains the Hamas handing over the bodies of 28 kidnapped people - so far the group has released the remains of 12 people.
Hamas declares his willingness to return the body, but claims he has method difficulties with their extraction. Negotiations have not yet begun on the second part of the agreement, which assumes the disarmament of Hamas.
Warning of fresh Attacks
The American State Department reported Saturday evening that Hamas is planning an attack on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. This would constitute a serious breach of the truce.
There have been reports of clashes between Hamas and another armed groups since the entry into force of the ceasefire. Hamas reportedly killed respective twelve members of the "gangs" and "Israeli collaborators".
Sources used: "PAP" Note: This article was edited with the aid of Artificial Intelligence.
