The Al-Qassam Brigades stated in a statement that they have no knowledge of any events or clashes occurring in the Rafah area, noting that these are red zones under occupation control. They confirmed that communication has been cut with the remaining groups there since the war resumed in March of this year. They added that they have no information on whether these individuals have been martyred or are still alive since that date, reaffirming that Al-Qassam is not involved in any events in those areas and cannot communicate with any of its fighters there if any are still alive.
Earlier today, the Israeli army revealed that armed individuals fired anti-tank missiles at its forces. In a statement, the Israeli army said it carried out airstrikes and artillery shelling on the Rafah area, confirming the destruction of several operational sites and military facilities where terrorist activities were observed. The statement explained that what happened was a blatant violation of the ceasefire, affirming that the Israeli army will respond strongly to any breach of the ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli Air Force launched attacks earlier today in the southern Gaza Strip following an exchange of fire between the army and Palestinians. Israeli media reported that the bombing followed an explosion in an Israeli military vehicle, noting that six Israeli soldiers were injured in the security incident south of Gaza. It was reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security meeting to discuss the response to the ceasefire violation in Gaza.
The Palestinian movement Hamas denied earlier today any imminent attack or violation of the ceasefire. In a statement, they explained that the facts on the ground indicate that the occupation authorities formed, funded, and armed criminal gangs in the Gaza Strip. Hamas confirmed that the police forces in Gaza, with community support, are fulfilling their duty to pursue these gangs and hold them accountable according to clear legal mechanisms. Hamas called on the US administration to stop echoing the occupation’s narrative and to focus on curbing its violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Yesterday, Saturday, the US Department of State announced that America informed the peace agreement guarantor countries in Gaza of reliable reports indicating an imminent violation of the ceasefire by the Palestinian Hamas movement against the residents of Gaza. They considered that this planned attack on Palestinian civilians constitutes a direct and serious violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermines the significant progress made through mediation efforts. The guarantor countries demanded that Hamas fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire terms, warning that if Hamas proceeds with this attack, measures will be taken to protect Gaza’s residents and maintain the ceasefire’s integrity.
Last Monday, US President Donald Trump, alongside his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signed an announcement regarding the ceasefire in Gaza. Under the agreement, Hamas released all twenty hostages who had been held in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, in exchange for Israel releasing 1,718 detainees from Gaza and 250 Palestinian prisoners from its prisons.
