Explosion in Rafah. Israel accuses Hamas of breaking the truce

Israel on Wednesday accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire after an Israeli soldier was injured in an explosive device explosion in Rafah, Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel would “give an appropriate response.”

According to the statement quoted by Reuters, the soldier was driving a military vehicle at the time of the explosion; suffered minor injuries.

The office of the head of the Israeli government emphasized that Hamas must fully comply with the rules of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza that has been in force since October 10. She noted that this agreement provides for the removal of the Palestinian group from power, as well as the demilitarization and deradicalization of this territory.

Hamas representative Mahmoud Mardawi wrote on the X platform that the explosion in Rafah occurred due to explosives left there by Israeli forces. He added that he had informed the mediators about this.

Since the ceasefire agreement entered into force, violence has continued in the Gaza Strip, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.

According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli forces have killed more than 400 people there since the ceasefire came into force.

Earlier on Wednesday, representatives of the Hamas political office met in Ankara with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and told him that they had met the requirements set out for them under the ceasefire agreement, but – in their opinion – Israel's constant attacks on the Gaza Strip are aimed at preventing the transition to the next phase of the agreement – Reuters reported, citing a source in the Turkish ministry.

Fidan on Monday expressed his expectation that the second phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas will begin in early 2026, with the priority being for the Palestinians to take over the management of the Gaza Strip..

The second phase of the agreement includes the withdrawal of the Israeli army from part of the territory of the Gaza Strip and the deployment of international stabilization forces there. The governing structures in the Zone are to be headed by the Peace Council, chaired by US President Donald Trump. This body is to include about 10 leaders from Arab and Western countries. (PAP)

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