Israel strikes Rafah as Hamas hostage talks remain uncertain
What's the story
The Israeli military reportedly carried out airstrikes in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Sunday. The move comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. According to Israeli news outlets, the strike was in response to an "exchange of fire" with Hamas members. The Times of Israel reported that the airstrike followed an "attack" by "terror operatives" on Israeli forces in Rafah.
Unyielding position
War in Gaza will end only when Hamas disarmed: Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the war in Gaza will only end when Hamas is disarmed and the territory is demilitarized. He said, "When that is successfully completed, hopefully in an easy way, but if not, in a hard way, then the war will end." This comes as Hamas's armed wing, Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, returned two more hostages' remains under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Accusations exchanged
US warns Hamas against ceasefire violations
The United States has accused Hamas of planning an attack against Palestinians, calling it a "grave violation" of the ceasefire agreement. The US State Department said in a release that if Hamas goes ahead with the attack, measures would be taken to protect Gazans and preserve the ceasefire. However, Reuters reported that Hamas has denied these allegations as false.
Border dispute
Rafah border crossing to remain closed until hostages returned: Netanyahu
Netanyahu has said the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until Hamas hands over deceased hostages' bodies. This decision came after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt announced plans to reopen the crossing for entry into Gaza on Monday. The Israeli military had reported an incident on Friday where "several terrorists" opened fire on soldiers in Rafah, causing no injuries.